JACKSON, Wyo. — The U.S. national cross-country ski team roster was announced last week, and a familiar Jackson name made the team.
Born and raised in the valley, Lucas Wilmot is currently a student-athlete at the University of Utah and was one of two new athletes named to the development squad of the 2025-26 Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team. He officially qualified for nomination to the team by finishing in the top 10 at a World Junior Championship race in Italy in February. After attending camps with the team over the summer, Wilmot accepted his nomination and was included in the official roster announcement on Oct. 14.
Wilmot’s former coach and current Jackson Hole Ski Club Nordic Program Director Will Wicherski told Buckrail that he is not surprised by Wilmot’s achievements.
“He’s a huge talent and he’s worked really hard and has a really good attitude,” Wicherski said. “I wasn’t shocked that he got that result, but it is something that’s really hard to do and everything has to come together perfectly. It was cool to see everything line up and work out.”
To qualify for the national team, skiers must meet objective selection requirements, which include international rankings and head-to-head race placements. Wilmot’s position on the team is for one year, as he will have to re-qualify to hold his slot.
Wilmot shared with Buckrail some of his goals and favorite aspects of skiing and being part of the U.S. national team. He said he has made friends all over the country through racing and enjoys being able to meet up with them at competitions throughout the season. His goals on the national team include qualifying again for next year and learning as much as he can from teammates and coaches.
“Some of the people on the team are super successful, in skiing and other parts of their lives,” Wilmot said. “The balance they have in their lives is something I want to mirror, and their determination is pretty cool to see.”
Wicherski said being on the national team will allow Wilmot to access resources including training camps and facilities, nutrition guidance, coaching and more. Wilmot’s competition focus this winter will remain on races with the University of Utah team within the U.S. If he qualifies for any World Junior Championship races again, he will travel with the U.S. team.
Wilmot began cross-country skiing in elementary school with the JH Ski Club. He remembers goofing off with his teammates at an early age, and over time, training, building strength and racing came more into focus.
“I like getting something out of everything I put in,” Wilmot said. “Skiing is kind of how that’s possible.”
