U.S. Olympians with Guild and Team USA Learning Network celebrate strong showings at Milano Cortina 2026

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Ashley Farquharson followed her dreams to Italy, where she earned a podium finish during the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

Farquharson, a two-time U.S. Olympian, won a bronze medal in women’s singles luge and finished fifth in the luge team relay event. Chevonne Forgan, a first-time U.S. Olympian, finished fifth in both the women’s doubles and team relay events.

Through the partnership between Guild and Team USA, Farquharson and Forgan will return to classes at Purdue Global with the goal of earning their bachelor’s degrees. Purdue Global is the preferred online university and degree provider of the Guild and Team USA Learning Network.

“Representing Team USA at Milano Cortina 2026 is a very special feeling that’s hard to find elsewhere. It is the culmination of so many years of dedication and sacrifice,” Farquharson said. “Earning a bronze medal at the Winter Olympics is a literal dream come true. I feel very fortunate to be able to perform at my best on the biggest stage. Having my friends, family, teammates and coaches behind me is the best feeling ever.”

Forgan said competing at Milano Cortina 2026 was unlike anything she has experienced at any luge competition, especially the crowd’s size and energy.

“To represent Team USA at the Winter Olympics is such a privilege. It has been my dream since I started luge almost 14 years ago, and to be able to make that dream a reality seems so unreal,” Forgan said. “The hard work that you have put in is paying off, and to be able to do that on the Winter Olympics stage really feels amazing.”

Both began their luge careers as teenagers. They both passed on college to pursue additional training at the Lake Placid Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in New York. Forgan switched from singles to doubles luge about five years ago; women’s doubles luge made its debut as a medal sport at Milano Cortina 2026.

“My next steps with Purdue Global include continuing the work on my bachelor’s, and perhaps a master’s, through the business program,” Farquharson said. “I’ve really loved taking the classes. I know I’m setting myself up for future success, which is a great feeling.”

Forgan will resume classes after the Winter Olympics.

“I’m working toward finishing my bachelor’s degree in early childhood administration,” Forgan said. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity that Purdue Global has given me to be able to pursue my degree while following my Olympics dream.”

“I want to thank the Purdue Global team for putting so much hard work into our story,” Farquharson said. “It has been such a privilege working with them, and the connections I’ve made through the program are special to me. Thank you for following along and learning about luge.” 

About Purdue Global

Purdue Global is Purdue’s online university for working adults who have life experience and often some college credits. It offers flexible paths for students to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, based on their work experience, military service and previous college credits, no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and backed by Purdue University. For more information, visit https://www.purdueglobal.edu.