MEET THE 2026 ATHLETE CLASS
Celebrating elite athletes from the United States who embody excellence, resilience, and the spirit of our nation.
CHAMPIONS OF DETERMINATION
Each year, The Next Lap Foundation selects a new group of athletes to receive direct financial support through our annual grant program.
The 2026 class represents the best of the United States: individuals who inspire through their dedication, strength, and perseverance both on and off the field of play.
Our support enables these athletes to focus on what truly matters: training, recovery, and preparation for the moments that unite us all.
Lauren Brzozowski
Bobsled
New Jersey
Lauren Brzozowski is a U.S. bobsled pilot competing in monobob and two-woman bobsled for Team USA. She trains year-round in one of the most physically demanding and technically precise sports in the Winter Olympic program.
Over the past six years, Lauren has self-funded much of her career while steadily climbing the international ranks. Her rise has been defined by grit, resilience, and disciplined consistency on ice. Currently ranked USA 4 during an Olympic year, she continues to strategically compete to gain points, experience, and a competitive edge at the highest levels of the sport.
Looking ahead, Lauren is building toward qualification for the 2030 Winter Olympic Games in La Plagne and the 2034 Winter Olympic Games in Utah, while also working to expand visibility and opportunity within women’s bobsled.
Cravon Gillespie
Track & Field
Arizona
Cravon Gillespie is a professional sprinter specializing in the 100 meters and 200 meters. A previous Olympian, he trains in Phoenix, Arizona, with a focus on elite-level speed development, technical refinement, and competitive consistency.
Competing at the Olympic Games sharpened his discipline and strengthened his long-term vision. Since then, he has continued building toward sustained excellence on the national and international stage.
With his sights set on the LA 2028 Olympic Games, Cravon is committed to representing the United States on home soil and reaching his highest competitive potential.
Evita Griskenas
Rhythmic Gymnastics
Illinois
Evita Griskenas is a two-time Olympian and 10-time Pan American Games medalist in rhythmic gymnastics. Training at North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics in the Chicago suburbs, she has worked with the same coaching team for more than 20 years, building one of the most accomplished careers in U.S. rhythmic gymnastics history.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Evita holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Columbia University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Performance, Sport, and Exercise Psychology at the University of Illinois-Chicago.
Her goal is to compete at the LA 2028 Olympic Games and become the first U.S. individual rhythmic gymnast to appear in three Olympic Games, while continuing to bridge elite performance with academic excellence in sport psychology.
Faye Gulini-Thelen
Snowboard Cross
Utah
Faye Gulini is a five-time Olympian in Snowboard Cross, preparing to compete at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. Based in Park City, Utah, she trains at the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Center of Excellence and on snow at Snowbird Resort.
After the 2022 Olympic Games, Faye planned to retire. Instead, becoming a mother of two inspired her return to elite competition. Balancing motherhood, international travel, and high-performance training, she represents experience, resilience, and renewed purpose on the world stage.
Her focus for 2026 is clear: compete for the podium while showing that elite performance and family life can coexist.
Nick Itkin
Fencing
California
Nick Itkin is a two-time Olympic medalist in men’s foil, earning bronze in the team event at Tokyo and bronze in the individual event at Paris. He is also the first U.S. men’s fencer to win back-to-back World Championship medals.
A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where he won multiple NCAA titles, Nick combines technical precision with strategic intelligence on the strip.
Now training full-time, his goal is to win Olympic gold at the LA 2028 Olympic Games in his hometown. In parallel, he founded an organization that provides free fencing classes in Los Angeles to increase young athletes' access to the sport.
Emma Meyers
Paratriathlon
Colorado
Emma Meyers is an elite paratriathlete competing in the PTS4 sprint-distance division, which includes a 750m swim, 20k bike ride, and 5k run. Born in Datong, China with Fibular Hemimelia, she was adopted by a U.S. military family and underwent a below-knee amputation, enabling her to pursue competitive athletics with a prosthetic.
She became the youngest member of the USA Paralympic Triathlon Team in 2024 and the youngest paratriathlete to place at the Paris Paralympic Games.
Currently attending Colorado Mesa University as the first paratriathlete in NCAA triathlon, Emma is studying social work while preparing for the LA 2028 Paralympic Games.
Kristen Santos-Griswold
Short Track Speedskating
Utah
Kristen Santos-Griswold is a two-time Olympian, World Champion, and Crystal Globe winner in short track speedskating. Originally from Fairfield, Connecticut, she now trains in Salt Lake City while pursuing graduate studies at the University of Utah.
Known for her dynamic racing style and consistency on the international circuit, Kristen has established herself as one of the sport’s top contenders.
As she prepares for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, her goal is to stand on top of the podium and build lasting momentum beyond 2026.
Cameron Smith
Ski Mountaineering
Colorado
Cameron Smith is a ski mountaineering racer based in Crested Butte, Colorado. Ski mountaineering will make its Olympic debut at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Games, where he will represent Team USA in the sprint and mixed relay disciplines.
He also competes internationally in mountain running during the summer months. Across both sports, his passion centers on endurance, speed, and movement in alpine environments.
Competing in the Olympic debut of his sport, Cameron’s goal is to honor those who supported his journey and contend for a medal on the world stage.
Jason Tabansky
Para Archery
Texas
Jason Tabansky is a Paralympic gold medalist in para archery, based in Boerne and San Antonio, Texas. His training emphasizes precision, mental discipline, and continuous refinement at the highest level of international competition.
As a Paris Paralympic champion, he brings elite experience and competitive resilience into every session.
With his focus firmly on the LA 2028 Paralympic Games, Jason aims to defend his gold medal and continue representing the United States with excellence and integrity.
Amira Young
Track & Field
Arizona
Amira Young is a competitive sprinter specializing in the 100 meters and 200 meters. Training in Phoenix, Arizona, she is building toward qualification for the LA 2028 Olympic Games as a first-time Olympic hopeful.
In addition to her athletic career, Amira works full-time in the wellness industry, managing a wellness studio. Her dual path has deepened her understanding of recovery, mobility, and sustainable performance.
By integrating intentional wellness practices into elite training, she continues to develop as a high-performance athlete committed to long-term growth and competing at the highest level.
FUEL THE FUTURE OF THE ELITE
Your support directly funds athletes like those in our 2026 class, providing critical resources for training, equipment, travel, and recovery.
When you donate, sponsor, or share their stories, you help these athletes focus on achieving their dreams and inspiring the next generation.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Your support empowers athletes to pursue excellence and represent America with pride.
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