When the world turns its attention to Milan Cortina for the 2026 Winter Olympics, Caleb Furnell, a push athlete for Team USA's four-man bobsled team, will step forward carrying more than just a sled.

The Lee's Summit, Missouri native will make his Olympic debut at 24-years-old, while also standing as the lone representative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at this year's games.

Furnell had a non-traditional path to get to the Olympics. As an alumnus of Utah Valley University, he originally competed in track and field, where he developed the speed and power that would later lead him to the world's biggest athletic stage.

Like many elite athletes, Furnell's Olympic dream didn't come with a clear roadmap, but through risk and opportunity.

After his graduation from UVU, Furnell attended a bobsled combine on a whim, unsure of what path it might lead him down. Within a year, he accomplished what few athletes dream of: he earned a spot on the United States national team.

As a push athlete, Furnell's role is as brutal as it is simple. His job is to generate maximum speed in the opening seconds of the run and launch the sled with explosive force down the track before loading in.

Off the track, Furnell's personality shines through in unexpected ways. At home, he and his wife share their lives with a pack of pets, each with a racing-themed name. As a nod to Furnell's love of speed and elite competition, they named their dog after the Formula 1 racing legend, Lewis Hamilton.

As the 2026 Winter Olympics kick off, Furnell is in a unique position. Not only will he be competing for Team USA, but he will also be the sole Olympian representing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Rather than drawing attention to his faith through words alone, Furnell reflects it through action: humility in success, discipline in preparation, respect for teammates and gratitude for the opportunities he's been given.

In a sport that relies on unity and trust, his work ethic and steady presence speak louder than any declaration he could make. His approach mirrors Christlike principles we teach in the church: uplifting others, serving the team and doing the unseen work that creates opportunities for everyone to succeed.

"He will put it all out there every time, that's him," said Furnell's mother in an interview with Elyse Schoenig, a reporter for KHSB 41 News in Kansas City, Missouri.

Furnell's younger brother, Luke, has followed a similar path, competing on Utah Valley University's track and field team. The shared pursuit has strengthened their bond, with each brother pushing the other toward growth, perseverance, and accountability. Their relationship reflects a faith taught at home first, through example, encouragement, and support.

"It's cool to see someone from my old school make it to the biggest league they can," said Tyler Surken, a third-year construction management major who transferred to Brigham Young University-Idaho from UVU in the fall of 2025.

For Furnell, Milan Cortina is more than a first Olympic appearance. It is the collection of years of relentless drive, unseen work and leaps of faith.