6 Winter Olympic Athletes From Pennsylvania You Can Follow on Instagram

Follow them on their way to victory.

By ·

Many, many moons ago, the most you saw of winter Olympic athletes was if they took their helmet off on camera at the end of a run. Nowadays, these athletes share their journeys in a far more personal way on social media — which makes it all the more fun for those of us watching from home. From cheesy team selfies to sneak peeks at their Opening Ceremony gear, we’re all about getting a close-up look at Olympian life.

Here, find six Olympic athletes that got their start right here in Pennsylvania — some even born in Philadelphia. Follow them as they go for the gold for team U.S.A., starting February 9.

Jamie Gruebel, Bobsled

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd8d2AdjbLq/?taken-by=jamiegreubel

The U.S. bobsled athlete earned a bronze in the 2014 Winter Olympics, and four years later she’s back to compete in Pyeongchang. Born in Princeton, New Jersey, Gruebel now calls Newton, Pennsylvania home. Follow her to see her journey to the Olympics — and for all the cute Boomerangs.

Summer Britcher, Luge

https://www.instagram.com/p/Be0l0TZlQUX/?taken-by=summerbelle

The luge athlete was actually discovered at a nearby ski hill — Blue Mountain Resort — way back in 2007. The Glen Rock, Pennsylvania native has come a long way since then, and is returning to the Olympics for the second time after competing in 2014. Check out her feed for the team spirit vibes and for all the workout inspo.

Jayson Terdiman, Luge

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdkuKCpB0lZ/?taken-by=jaysonterdiman

Another member of the U.S. luge team, alongside Britcher, Terdiman was born in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania but calls Berwick his hometown. So far, we’re digging his profile for the behind-the-scenes look at his pre-Olympic travels, including the random monkey.

Brian O’Neill, Ice Hockey

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcXN4jojL7n/?taken-by=brian22oneill

Though he plays for the Jockerit ice hockey team in Finland now, O’Neill was born in Philadelphia and went to high school in Fort Washington. While he may play for Finland professionally, he’s on team U.S.A. for his first winter Olympics this month.

Ryan Gunderson, Ice Hockey

https://www.instagram.com/p/aUZWGgQZb-/?taken-by=ryangunderson

Granted, this ice hockey player — who is also headed to the Olympics for the first time — isn’t the most active of Instagrammers. But things we can learn from his profile: he apparently broke his arm a few years ago, he won something in 2012, and he clearly likes puppies and red wine, so we’d probably be best friends. Was born in Philadelphia, raised in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and now plays for a Swedish hockey team.

Andrew Sherk, Luge

Another not-so-frequent poster, we can only hope this luge athletes ‘gramming habits pick up in Pyeongchang. From Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, Sherk is headed to his first Olympics — though he apparently has other skills, like trampoline flips and taking cool timelapse videos.

Like what you’re reading? Stay in touch with Be Well Philly—here’s how:

Read More About:

Trending

  1. What the Looming SEPTA Strikes Would Mean for Philadelphia

  2. How Did Philly Dog Culture Get So Out of Control?

  3. 25 Best Happy Hours in Philly for Every Occassion

  4. Things to Do in Philadelphia This Weekend

  5. Where to Dine Out in Philly This Thanksgiving