Lauren Macuga: Rising Star Sidelined For Games

By Tom Kelly Feb 2, 2026

Rising U.S. alpine ski racer Lauren Macuga joins Last Chair to talk about a breakout World Cup season, a November knee injury that sidelined her Olympic buildup, and the mindset shift that comes with recovery. Recorded at the USANA Center of Excellence in Park City, this episode explores Lauren’s path through ski racing, growing up in a multi-sport ski family, the role of mentorship from Lindsey Vonn, and how she’s staying grounded and optimistic while rehabbing toward the next Olympic cycle. A candid conversation about resilience, perspective, and playing the long game in elite sport.

One thing about rising alpine ski racing star Lauren Macuga, she always has a smile on her face. On the eve of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, Macuga had hoped to be hopscotching around Austria and Switzerland on her way to ski the Olimpia delle Tofane course in Cortina d’Ampezzo. But a November knee injury at Copper Mountain sidelined her for the season. Instead, Macuga joined Last Chair for a fun and insightful interview at the team’s USANA Center of Excellence training center, not far from her Park City home.

Two months into her rehab, the tears of November had faded into the daily strength and conditioning routine at the training center. While she had hoped to join teammates like Lindsey Vonn on the sidelines in Cortina, she will instead take the prudent course and watch from her hometown.

Macuga grew up racing in Park City. Her sister Alli is a moguls skier on the national freestyle team. Sister Sam is on the national ski jumping team. Brother Daniel is making his path as an alpine ski racer. Mom Amy and father Dan run transportation and cheerleading. Together, the Macuga clan is an inspiration to other kids in town. For that reason, Lauren serves as an ambassador for the local Youth Sports Alliance.

In this episode of Last Chair, you’ll hear Lauren’s story, how she discovered the thrill of sport and how her 2024-25 season saw her win her first World Cup super G at St. Anton, and take third in a downhill at Kvitfjell. She also shares insights on the mentorship that Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn has brought to the team.

So grab your headphones and settle in with us at the USANA Center of Excellence in Park City, as Lauren Macuga regales us with stories heading into the Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina.

“And yeah, just first run, went a little inside over a roll and caught like my ski. Just caught as I was falling. And yeah, it was kind of hoping it wouldn't be that bad. I was able to get up and walk away after, but kind of walk away. As I was walking away, my I could feel the bones shift, and that's when I was like, okay, something's wrong.” - Lauren Macuga

Last Chair Podcast

There's something unique and personal about the culture of skiing in Utah. It's embodied in the stories of the people who bring you these amazing mountain destinations and the lifestyle that pervades them, from peak to peak and village to city. Last Chair: The Ski Utah Podcast brings those personalities to life in a series of insightful storytelling sessions with athletes, resort leaders and cultural icons as Last Chair host Tom Kelly weaves a fascinating storyline that brings you even closer to The Greatest Snow on Earth.