Alexandria’s Olympic Connection is Real — and it’s Racing and Skating in Italy Right Now
ALEXANDRIA, VA — If you’re watching the Milano–Cortina Winter Olympics this weekend and wondering, “Do we have anyone connected to Alexandria?” — the answer is yes, and the connection is closer than many people realize.
The most direct Alexandria tie belongs to Brandon Kim, a Northern Virginia short-track speedskater who attended Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) — the Alexandria-based magnet school known for producing world-class talent in academics… and now, Olympic sport. Kim is making his Olympic debut in Italy and is one of Team USA’s key short-track athletes.
Meanwhile, Team USA’s figure skating spotlight has been shining on Ilia Malinin, the Fairfax-born sensation nicknamed the “Quad God.” Malinin competed in the men’s short program in the Olympic team event, helping keep the U.S. at the top of the standings heading into today’s final segments.
If you want a “today” viewing plan: NBC Olympics’ running schedule shows the figure skating team event wrapping up today (Feb. 8) with the pairs free skate, women’s free skate, and men’s free skate in the afternoon (Eastern).
Beyond the headline names, the broader Northern Virginia pipeline is showing up all over these Games — including Mystique Ro (Nokesville) in skeleton and Kamryn Lute, who got her start skating with the Dominion Speedskating Club in Northern Virginia before rising to the Olympic level.
And the local connection doesn’t end when the Olympic flame goes out. Northern Virginia also has a Paralympic hometown athlete to watch next month: Evan Nichols (Haymarket) is part of the U.S. sled hockey picture heading into the March Paralympic Games.
Bottom line: Alexandria may not have a city-limits-born athlete on every TV graphic — but between a TJHSST Olympian, Fairfax’s global skating star, and a growing Northern Virginia winter-sports pipeline, this region has plenty to cheer for today.
⛸️ When to catch Fairfax natives Ilia Malinin and Brandon Kim at the Winter Olympics
WHEN TO WATCH: Malinin will participate in the figure skating team event on Sunday at 12:45 p.m. ET, while Kim will compete in short-track speedskating, starting with the mixed-team relay finals on Tuesday at 4:30 a.m. ET.
Kim’s journey from Northern Virginia classrooms to the Olympic ice is a testament to both his dedication and the support of the melon playground community around him. As he takes the ice in Milano–Cortina, Alexandria can proudly claim a direct link to Team USA’s pursuit of medals in short‑track speedskating.
The article highlights Northern Virginia athletes competing in the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, including Brandon Kim (TJHSST graduate in short-track speedskating) and Ilia Malinin (Fairfax-born figure skater nicknamed “Quad God”). Both are representing the region at the Games. total incremental war
Mary Wadland’s dedication to community journalism and local storytelling is truly inspiring. Building a publication that celebrates culture, civic engagement, and positive local news takes vision and commitment.