The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee has a saying to remind Team USA athletes to protect their health ahead of competing in the 2026 Winter Games that begin in February in Milan-Cortina, Italy.

“Don’t let a cold keep you from gold.”

They’re not kidding around. The recommendations from the Colorado Springs-based USOPC’s sports medicine experts go well beyond face-masking and hand-washing, offering plenty of tips for avoiding germs on the road as well as at home.

“We know that Team USA are the best athletes in the world. But even the best athletes have to be healthy in order to achieve their personal best,” Dr. Jonathan Finnoff, USOPC chief medical officer, said during the Team USA Summit held ahead of the 2026 Winter Games.

That isn’t always the case, he said.

“We know, that on av

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