As the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics officially begin, U.S. women’s hockey captain Hilary Knight, 35, is preparing for a milestone few athletes ever reach: her fifth Olympic Games.
While the achievement places Knight among the most experienced and decorated players in women’s hockey history, the gold medalist tells Entertainment Now her mindset heading into the 2026 Games is less about records and more about finding happiness and gratitude.
Hilary Knight Excited to ‘Bring Home Another Gold’ at 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics
“I’m really excited for the opportunity to bring home another gold medal to the United States,” Knight told Entertainment Now. “We have a fantastic group, and really looking forward to that, just, like, as a sheer competitor, best on best tournament, the biggest stage in the world, so that’s exciting.”
While the competition ahead is fierce, Knight revealed gratitude has become central to her mindset. “I have incredible gratitude for all the people who have been able to support me and have been there my entire career,” she said.
That sense of appreciation also extends to her teammates, who she says help ground her during demanding stretches of the season.
“I really enjoy the team aspect of everything and just being around teammates,” Knight said. “Whether that’s playing mindless games on an iPad, talking about different stories, or just cracking jokes.”
US Women’s Hockey Captain Hilary Knight on Finding Happiness Amid Olympic Pressure
As one of several Olympic athletes featured in Hershey’s Olympic campaign, “Hershey’s. It’s Your Happy Place,” Knight said the brand’s message — that happiness is “the real gold” — mirrors what she has learned over years of elite competition.
“You see us in, like, the brightest moments, the biggest stage, the biggest spotlight,” Knight said. “And really, it’s about, like, the team behind the team, and then the team behind that team. And that’s, like, all of our personal lives.”
During a long season, she said moments of happiness often show up in surprisingly ordinary ways. “They’re the quiet moments, right? They’re not in the spotlight. It’s… that warm, like, embrace after a game, regardless if it was a win or loss.”
Knight added those quieter moments are essential, especially during long stretches away from home. “Sometimes it’s just going for sort of, like, a mindless walk,” she said.
Other times, Knight relies on traditions and small personal rituals to unwind after games.
“One thing my partner did for me was, going into World Championships, just preparing different notes and stuff,” she said. “She put in, because it’s my favorite, the Hershey chocolate almond bars.”
She continued, “That’s, like, a post-game thing, so it’s sort of like a good luck note for the day, and they’re all labeled, and, yeah, the Hershey bar is in there.”
With the world watching once again, Knight is focused on staying healthy, present and grounded as the Olympic stage reopens — embracing both the pressure and the privilege that come with it.
