If you’ve been following the knitting community online, you’ve probably noticed something special happening at the 2026 Winter Olympics: athletes are knitting, crocheting, and proudly showing off their handmade projects. From Tom Daley’s iconic medal holders to biathletes sharing their works-in-progress between events, Olympic stitching took center stage this year.
The crossover between elite athletics and knitting isn’t new. Tom Daley famously knit poolside during the Tokyo Olympics. But the 2026 Winter Olympics brought a whole new wave of athletes into the knitting spotlight. These Olympians prove that knitting and crochet aren’t just relaxing hobbies; they’re practices that enhance focus, provide stress relief, and create community even at the highest levels of competition.
Let’s celebrate some of the incredible athletes who brought their stitching to the 2026 Winter Olympics and share pattern recommendations perfect for their Olympic spirit.
Tom Daley: The Original Olympic Knitter
British diver Tom Daley has become synonymous with Olympic knitting. After captivating audiences by knitting poolside in Tokyo, Tom returned to the Olympics with another handmade creation: medal holders for the 2026 Winter Olympics athletes. His dedication to knitting at the Olympic level has inspired countless people to pick up needles and hooks, proving that elite athletes and makers share more common ground than you might think.
Tom’s passion for the craft has helped welcome new makers into our community.
Adam Runnalls: Canadian Biathlete & Knitter
Canadian biathlete Adam Runnalls shared his knitting journey on Instagram, showing off projects worked on between training sessions and competitions. There’s something beautifully meditative about watching an athlete who requires intense focus and precision in their sport apply those same qualities to their knitting.
Pattern Recommendation: We think Adam would love the Sierra Snowcap by Rosemary (Romi) Hill. This classic design captures the alpine spirit perfectly while offering enough technical interest to keep an accomplished knitter engaged.
Breezy Noble Johnson: Alpine Ski Racer Takes Up the Hooks
American World Cup alpine ski racer Breezy Noble Johnson brought yarn to the slopes, sharing her colorful works-in-progress with her followers. Watching someone who navigates treacherous downhill courses at incredible speeds find calm and creativity in knitting reminds us how accessible our craft truly is.
Pattern Recommendation: Après Ski by Shaina Bilow Designs is a cozy, squishy layering piece that Breezy could wear on and off the slopes.
Maxime Germain: American Biathlete Shares the Love
American biathlete Maxime Germain joined the Olympic knitting club, documenting projects and celebrating the intersection of athletics and knitting. The biathlon athletes must transition from intense physical exertion to the stillness needed for precision shooting. It’s no wonder so many biathletes find knitting appealing; the sports share a need for steady hands and focused minds.
Pattern Recommendation: Winter Skies by LeTissier Designs features cable construction and pairs that with a mountain-inspired aesthetic.
Antti Koskinen: Finnish Snowboard Coach Joins In
Finnish snowboard coach Antti Koskinen showed that coaches get in on the Olympic stitching action too. When asked why he knits on the slopes, Antti said “I think it’s a good way to keep the mood light.” When you’re coaching at the Olympic level, finding ways to decompress and stay present matters enormously.
Pattern Recommendation: The Ski Lift Hat by Hook Mountain Handmade feels like the perfect match for Antti. Functional, stylish, and small enough to fit in his pockets.
Maddie Mastro: Professional Snowboarder Gets Creative
American professional snowboarder Maddie Mastro, who specializes in half pipe, applied her creativity to knitting during the Olympics. Watching someone who performs gravity-defying tricks approach knitting with the same enthusiasm reminds us that creativity flows through everything we do, whether we’re on the slopes or settled on the couch with our yarn.
Pattern Recommendation: The Deluxe LP Ski Hat & Scarf by Vogue Knitting offers both style and function. Plus, it involves colorwork stripes which seem to be a favorite of Maddie’s.
Lucinda Anderson: Biathlete & Cross-Country Skier
American biathlete and former cross-country skier Lucinda Anderson shared her knitting projects throughout the Olympics, adding her voice to the growing chorus of Olympic athletes who find joy and relaxation in knitting. The endurance required for cross-country skiing translates beautifully to the patience and persistence needed for larger knitting projects.
Pattern Recommendation: The classic Ski Sweater by Vogue Knitting would be the perfect for Lucinda to grow her skills. A timeless design that works as hard as she does.
Why Olympic Athletes Love Knitting
The connection between elite athletics and knitting makes perfect sense when you think about it. Both require:
Focus and Presence: Athletes must stay completely present in their performance. Knitting and crochet demand similar attention. You can’t think about yesterday’s race or tomorrow’s competition when you’re counting stitches or working on a lace pattern.
Repetitive Motion and Muscle Memory: Just as athletes train their bodies through repetitive practice, knitters train their hands through thousands of stitches. Both activities build muscle memory and find rhythm in repetition.
Stress Management: The pressure of Olympic competition is immense. Knitting provides a healthy, productive outlet for managing stress and anxiety. The rhythmic, meditative nature of knitting helps calm nervous systems and provide mental breaks from competitive pressure.
Goal Setting and Achievement: Athletes understand the satisfaction of working toward a goal and achieving it. Finishing a knitting or crochet project offers similar rewards. Tangible proof of time invested and skills developed.
Community and Connection: Both athletics and knitting build strong communities. Athletes who knit often share their work with teammates, creating bonds through shared creative experiences in addition to their sport.
The Ripple Effect
When Olympic athletes share their knitting projects publicly, they create ripple effects throughout our community. People who never considered knitting or crochet suddenly see it as something fun, accessible, and worthwhile. Young athletes discover that their sports heroes make things with their hands. Gender stereotypes crumble when male athletes proudly show off their knitting.
This visibility matters. Every time an Olympian posts about their knitting, they’re welcoming new people into our community and celebrating the creativity, skill, and joy that knitting brings to our lives.
Find Your Gold Medal Knits on GoSadi
You don’t need to be an Olympic athlete to experience the benefits that these world-class competitors find in knitting and crochet. Whether you’re managing stress, seeking creative expression, building focus, or simply enjoying the meditative rhythm of stitches, knitting welcomes you exactly as you are.
Ready to start your own Olympic-inspired project? Browse the patterns we recommended for these athletes and find inspiration for your next make. Better yet, share your own projects and tag us. We love seeing what our community creates, whether you’re training for the Olympics or simply enjoying your craft.
What Olympic-inspired project will you make next? Head to GoSadi for more knitting inspiration.
Explore the Featured Patterns:
- Sierra Snowcap by Rosemary (Romi) Hill
- Ski Lift Hat by Hook Mountain Handmade
- Winter Skies by LeTissier Designs
- Ski Sweater by Vogue Knitting
- Deluxe LP Ski Hat & Scarf by Vogue Knitting
- Après Ski by Shaina Bilow Designs
