Many well-known Olympians from Minnesota have made names for themselves beyond the borders of our state and even the U.S.A. - far too many to name in this article, in fact. The number of Olympic hockey players - men and women - from Minnesota, alone, would number well more than 100, and all of the fine athletes from the Land of 10,000 Lakes who've represented our country are a great source of state pride for us Minnesotans. Nevertheless, we thought we'd single out (in alphabetical order) a few Olympians with Minnesota roots to highlight ahead of the upcoming games.

1. Herb Brooks

Saint Paul native Herb Brooks was an Olympic hockey player, himself, but is best known as the coach of the gold medal-winning 1980 "Miracle on Ice" U.S. hockey team. There were 13 Minnesotans on that team, alone, including Neal Broten. Brooks coached the University of Minnesota men's team, as well as the Minnesota North Stars professional team. A beloved Minnesotan, he was one of the strongest ambassadors in the Land of 10,000 Lakes for the state's favorite sport.

2. Jessie Diggins

Hailing from Afton, via Stillwater High School, Jessie Diggins is currently the most decorated Nordic skier in U.S. history. In 2018, she became the first American Olympic gold medalist in the sport in almost half a century. In addition to her three Olympic medals, Diggins has also won two golds and four other medals at the world championships. In 2024, Diggins advocacy helped to bring the first world cup-level competition to Minnesota.

3. Suni Lee

Gymnast Sunisa "Suni" Lee was born and raised in St. Paul. She has won gold medals in both the Olympic games and the world championships, as well as the NCAA championships. She also happens to be the first Hmong-American to compete in the Olympics. She's beloved in both Minnesota and the local Hmong community.

4. Regan Smith

Lakeville native Regan Smith burst onto the international swimming scene in 2018, and in 2019, at the age of 17, she took gold at the world championships, barely missing a world record in the 200-meter backstroke and setting a world record with her teammates in the 400x100 meter medley. She took two silvers and a bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This young champion will be fun to watch in future competitions.

5. Grace McCallum

Rising to fame at the same time as Suni Lee, Isanti native and artistic gymnast Grace McCallum is occasionally overshadowed by her teammate's fame. But don't let that fool you. She won Olympic silver at the 2020 Tokyo games and has won many, many medals - including gold - in international competition. We see you Grace McCallum!

6. Gable Steveson

Gable Dan Steveson, whose name is an homage to Olympic wrestling titan Dan Gable of Iowa, was born in Indiana but moved to Apple Valley as a young teen. He wrestled for Apple Valley High School and the University of Minnesota, where he won many championships before taking gold in freestyle wrestling at 125 kilograms at the 2020 Tokyo games.

7. Lindsey Vonn

Lindsey Vonn is probably the most famous Olympian from Minnesota outside of the state. (Nobody is likely to outshine Herb in the State of Hockey). The Alpine multi-medalist was born in St. Paul and cut her teeth on the slopes at Buck Hill before her parents, recognizing her talent, moved to Colorado so Vonn could train and compete on a grander stage. And it sure looks like they were right!

Clearly, there are many more Olympians from Minnesota who could be on this list. Who would you add? Let us know in the comments!