By Staff Writer: Kathryn Richter
With the official start of the 2026 Winter Olympics already past us, here’s a look into people from New Mexico, who have given it all to represent their country at the world’s most important sporting event.
New Mexico has a long history of producing and supporting talented athletes throughout its history. The first New Mexican to ever compete in an Olympic competition is believed to a Benny Garcia; from La Luz, New Mexico just outside of Alamogordo. He competed in the 1956 Olympics, with a personal record Javelin throw of about 71 meters. Although he did not place in the finals, he led the Olympic path for future New Mexicans.
Cathy Carr is the one of the most decorated athletes from New Mexico. Born and raised in Albuquerque, she competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany. Carr won her first gold medal in women’s 100 meter backstroke, and set a new world record with a time of 1.13.58. Her second gold medal was won in the Women’s 4 x 100 meter medley relay, where her team set another world record with a time 4.20.75.
New Mexico has also provided Olympians from all over the world a beautiful training experience. Facilities in UNM give athletes a place to train and practice in high altitude, to build better endurance and breathe control.
With athletes competing in both the Summer and Winter Olympics as well as the Paralympics, more than 30 people either from New Mexico or with direct ties to the state have competed in the Olympic. Although only a handful have carried a medal, they all bring that pride home with them.
This year, New Mexico native Travis Dodson is competing in the U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team. Dodson became a double amputee while serving in the US Marine Corps in 2007. This will be his fourth visit to the Olympics, and this year he will be competing for a third gold medal with his team.