OVERLEA, MD—Overlea resident Cheryl Harrow will be heading to Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics after she claimed her Mega Millions Team USA second-chance promotion prize.

From now until August 12, Maryland Lottery Mega Millions players can submit winning and non-winning Mega Millions tickets into the Maryland Lottery’s My Lottery Rewards (MLR) program for a chance to travel to either the 2026 Winter Games in Milan, Italy or the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.

Two drawings have already occurred, while the final drawing will take place on August 13th. Harrow was selected as one of the winners in the July 2 drawing and is already excited about jetting off to the 2026 Winter Games.

“I thought the Winter Olympics would be more fun and I have never been to Italy,” said the retired nurse practitioner.

Cheryl is taking her husband on the trip, and each have their hopes high to take in some of their favorite winter Olympic sports. He is a huge ice hockey fan and Cheryl is hoping to be a spectator for one of the figure skating events.

According to the Baltimore County resident, she entered just six Mega Millions tickets into the promotion one day before the entry deadline.

Cheryl said she felt a little lucky as she was on a winning streak at bar bingo, but couldn’t believe that luck transferred over to this prize. She was happy to receive the call from Maryland Lottery officials.

“I took the news with me to the ocean,” she said, referring to the fact she found out about the win right before a summer vacation to Ocean City. While on the beach, she shared news of the win with family and friends.

The 66-year-old also receives a Team USA-themed prize pack that includes merchandise like hoodies, range packs, hats and tumblers. She likes watching the Olympics and can’t believe that she will get to travel to the 2026 games in Milan.

“I never dreamt of taking a trip to the Olympics. It wasn’t even on my bucket list.”

Photo via the Maryland Lottery