What to watch: Did you know Midland had a hand in this year’s Winter Olympics? Boone Niederhofer, a Midland resident and former Texas A&M football player, competed on the U.S. four-man bobsled team. When not training on the ice, Niederhofer works as a petroleum engineer in the Permian Basin, an unlikely path to the Olympic stage.

The big picture: Niederhofer’s bobsled career began in 2019 after mass layoffs at his oil company cost him his job. A call from former Texas A&M teammate Sam Moeller, already involved in the U.S. bobsled program, led him to a combine on campus. After a torn ACL ended his NFL hopes in his final A&M game, Niederhofer shifted his focus and joined the training program, making his IBSF World Cup debut two years later.

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Balancing engineering work with international competition, Niederhofer secured a role in the Permian Basin that allowed him to work remotely while training for the 2026 Olympics. He placed fourth in the four-man event at the 2025 IBSF World Championships and earned his Olympic spot in January 2026.

The U.S. team, piloted by opening ceremonies flag-bearer Frank Del Duca, finished 12th with a total time of 3:40.06, just 0.12 seconds behind the other American crew.

Catch up quick: Niederhofer becomes the first Midlander to compete in the Winter Olympics. Other Midland Olympians include Doug Russell, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming, Bryce Hoppel, who won bronze in the 800 meters in 2022 and gold in 2024, and Natalie Hinds, who earned bronze in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay.

What they’re saying: On social media, Niederhofer wrote, “I am honored and thrilled to get to represent my country and my family at the Olympic Games. I am most excited that my kids will get to live through this experience. I hope my journey gives them courage to chase after their dreams, push through adversity when you don’t have success, and give glory to Jesus… The Lord has TRULY paved the way! I am just thankful. ‘He will open doors that no one can shut, and he will shut doors that no one can open.’ ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭22‬:‭22‬””

What’s next: See Team USA share about bobsledding, and watch the reruns of the games on Peacock or NBC.