JONESBORO, Ark. — Arkansas will be represented at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, by a standout athlete with deep ties to the state.
Menachem Chen, a junior thrower on the Arkansas State University track and field team, has earned a spot on the Israel bobsled team and will compete in the four-man bobsled event at the Winter Games beginning Feb. 6.
Chen, originally from Rishon LeZion, Israel, emerged as one of Arkansas State’s top track and field athletes, capturing the 2025 Sun Belt Conference outdoor discus championship and setting the Arkansas State program record in the discus with a throw of 188 feet, 11 inches. He also earned bronze in the Sun Belt in the shot put and qualified for the NCAA West prelims in 2024.
Transitioning from track and field to winter sport, Chen serves as a brakeman on the four-man bobsled squad, a role that emphasizes explosive power and speed at the start of each run. The Israel team secured its Olympic berth following international qualification events in January.
The 2026 Winter Olympics mark a rare appearance in winter sport for an athlete with Arkansas connections. Chen’s journey from collegiate track circles in Jonesboro to the global stage of the Winter Games highlights an unusual but inspiring athletic path.
At the time of publication, Chen is the only confirmed competitor with a significant Arkansas connection competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The opening ceremony is set for this Friday.
The above photo is courtesy of @followteamisrael on instagram.
