By Zach Thummel
Columbia Gorge News
HOOD RIVER — Hood River’s Sean FitzSimons competed in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy, representing the United States on snowboarding’s biggest stage for the second time in his career.
FitzSimons competed in the qualifier rounds for Big Air on Feb. 5 and Slopestyle on Feb. 15, placing 25th and 26th, respectively, and missing the qualification for the final rounds of either event.
Last week, the Columbia Gorge News caught up with Sean’s parents, Michael and Jen FitzSimons, ahead of the Slopestyle Qualifier. Michael and Jen were able to attend and support Sean in person — something they were unable to do during the 2022 Winter Olympics when Sean first qualified.
“We’re super excited,” said Michael. “There’s a bit of nerves about it. This time it’s the second time, through. The first time, we didn’t get to go, so we’re pretty excited to be here and kind of experience the Olympics that we didn’t get, but he certainly got. It’s kind of surreal. It’s very different from World Cups. It’s very different from other competitions that we’ve been to.”
Jen added that Sean’s first Olympic appearance came under far different circumstances. Sean competed in the 2022 Olympics during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When he went to the Olympics in Beijing, it was during COVID, so there were many restrictions,” she said. “He had to wear a mask at all times and couldn’t really associate with other countries; they had to stay in pods with their teammates. They even had to eat lunch in separate cubbies and couldn’t sit together at a table. They were tested every single day and were very locked down, so he didn’t get the true Olympic Village experience of hanging out with everyone.”
With a more traditional Olympic environment in Italy this time around, the experience has felt different for both athlete and family. As parents, Michael said their role is simple: support without adding pressure.
“As far as keeping him calm, we let him do that,” he said. “We just try to make sure we’re not putting any pressure on him at all, and we let him do what he needs to do, or do what he wants to do as far as getting prepared. I guess the way we keep him calm is let him be.”
“As far as us, I think we kind of distract ourselves by doing other things and get to do some snowboarding ourselves or do some skiing and enjoy the Alps and enjoy what this place has to offer.”
Thousands of miles away, back in Hood River, the encouragement has remained constant throughout the Games. For a rider who grew up on Mount Hood, that hometown backing has made the Olympic stage feel a little closer to home.
“The support’s been outstanding,” said Jen. “Everyone seems really interested and supportive. My phone’s very busy with people wondering when Sean’s competing, how he’s doing, how he’s feeling and all of that. It’s really sweet, and I think Sean definitely feels the support and love of his community. It’s been great that people are interested and excited for him. We pretty much wake up every morning to text messages and emails of encouragement and support. So, it’s been really positive, and it’s just great.
“It’s also pretty neat because Sean grew up on Mount Hood. He learned to ski basically right after he could walk on Mount Hood. He’s been in that in our community since he was a little guy. Everybody there has seen him grow up and progress in snowboarding. I think what makes it so special is the community and that everybody kind of got to watch him rise.”
With two Olympic appearances now behind him, the perspective has widened for the entire family. More than medals or placements, they believe this moment is about growth and gratitude.
“Sean has already expressed a lot of gratitude to us,” said Michael. “When it was confirmed that he’d made the team for a second time, I had a conversation with him where he was just very, very clear on his gratitude, and that he’s a two-time Olympian now. Sean was clear that he’s at a unique spot where he’s had the opportunity to travel the world with snowboarding. He told me he’s so grateful that he’s had these experiences, and that snowboarding has brought so much to him.
“So, you asked what I hope he takes away from it — I think he’s already got it. I think he already has a good mindset. He knows this is a very unique experience and that he’s going to take it in and enjoy every day of this.”
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