Key Takeaways
- Deedra Irwin from Pulaski and Paul Schommer of Appleton will represent Team USA in the biathlon at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
- Both athletes have previously competed in the Olympics, with Irwin finishing 7th in the individual biathlon event in Beijing in 2022, the highest Olympic finish ever by an American woman.
- The Olympics experience is expected to be different this year, with the ability to share the experience with friends and family in attendance.
- Irwin and Schommer hope to make Northeast Wisconsin and the USA proud, with the goal of winning the first medal for the US in biathlon.
- A total of 10 Wisconsin athletes will be competing in this year’s winter Olympics.
Introduction to the Athletes
Not one, but two athletes from Northeast Wisconsin will be representing Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Deedra Irwin from Pulaski and Paul Schommer of Appleton have both made Team USA and will compete in the biathlon next month in Italy. This will be a second trip to the Olympics for both Irwin and Schommer, who competed in Beijing in 2022. Irwin finished 7th in the individual biathlon event, the highest Olympic finish ever by an American woman. Schommer also had a notable performance, and both athletes are eager to build on their previous experience.
Reflections on the Opportunity
Irwin and Schommer are both grateful for the opportunity to represent Team USA again. Irwin stated, "I’m really honored to be able to represent my country and my team and my family and all my communities again on the world stage." Schommer added, "I was kind of on the fence if I wanted to keep going, but to be back on the team and heading to my second one takes is, I’m just super grateful for that opportunity and really looking forward to it." Both athletes are excited to have the chance to compete at the highest level and make their country proud.
Expectations for the Olympics Experience
Unlike their experience in Beijing, which was affected by the COVID pandemic, Irwin and Schommer expect this year’s Olympics to be a more emotional and celebratory experience. Irwin said, "I think it’s going to be, you know, an even more emotional experience, I think, because this time I’ll be able to share this Olympics with all my friends and my family and everybody can come to Italy and really kind of celebrate with me." Schommer added, "I’m really looking forward to having some of my family there. My two brothers and my mom will be coming to Italy and some friends. And so I think that’s gonna be really cool to be able to share that with some people that are really close to me and have helped me get to where I am today."
Connection to Northeast Wisconsin
Although Irwin and Schommer no longer live in Northeast Wisconsin, they have not forgotten their roots. Irwin gave a shout-out to her hometown, saying, "So shout out to Pulaski and Angelica and Ashwaubenon Nordic ski team. You guys are awesome. Go Packers." Both athletes are proud to represent their community and hope to make Northeast Wisconsin proud at the Olympics. They are also part of a larger group of Wisconsin athletes competing in the winter Olympics, with a total of 10 athletes from the state participating in this year’s games.
Goals and Aspirations
Irwin and Schommer have high aspirations for their performance at the Olympics. Schommer stated, "I don’t want to say that we’re preparing to win a medal, but we’re doing everything we can to try to win that first medal for the US in biathlon." Irwin and Schommer are determined to make the most of their opportunity and bring home a medal for the USA. With their experience, skill, and dedication, they are well-positioned to achieve their goals and make their country proud. As they prepare to compete on the world stage, Irwin and Schommer are focused on giving it their all and leaving everything on the course.
