NEW YORK – As the world prepares for the grand opening of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, the heart of Manhattan has been transformed into a crystalline tribute to athletic excellence. In a breathtaking collaboration, Ralph Lauren and Rockefeller Center have unveiled a series of monumental ice installations, celebrating the grit, grace, and glory of Team USA.
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Standing an imposing 12 feet tall, these sculptures are more than just winter decorations; they are a feat of engineering and artistic precision. Carved from 10 metric tons of crystal-clear ice, the installations capture four world-class athletes in motion. Five champion ice carvers spent five days meticulousy shaping the blocks to replicate the athletes' likenesses, even down to the intricate details of the official Ralph Lauren Team USA uniforms.
The exhibition features four prominent members of the U.S. delegation, showcasing the diversity and talent of the team heading to Italy:
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Madison Chock: The celebrated figure skater, captured in a moment of elegant fluidity.
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Red Gerard: The gold-medalist snowboarder, reimagined in a dynamic mid-air pose.
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Brenna Huckaby: The three-time Paralympic gold medalist snowboarder and a powerful voice for disability representation in sports.
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Erin Jackson: The history-making speed skater, whose sculpture overlooks the city from the iconic Top of the Rock observation deck.
While the figures of Chock, Gerard, and Huckaby are located in the historic Channel Gardens, Jackson’s sculpture offers a unique high-altitude perspective, framed by the New York City skyline.
This installation marks the first time an ice exhibition of this magnitude has been hosted at Rockefeller Center. For Ralph Lauren, the official outfitter of Team USA since 2008, the project serves as a celebration of their 10th consecutive Olympic partnership. The choice of ice as a medium serves as a poignant reminder of the environments where these athletes excel—fragile yet incredibly resilient.
New Yorkers and tourists alike have flocked to the plaza to witness the display. However, the clock is ticking; the exhibition is scheduled to remain at Rockefeller Center only through January 31, before the ice returns to the elements and the athletes head to the world stage.
With the Milano Cortina games set to begin in just days, these sculptures stand as a cold, beautiful reminder that the heat of competition is just around the corner.
