Issa Laborde Makes History for Kenya at 2026 Winter Olympics

Kenya’s sole representative at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy, Issa Gachiringi Laborde Fit Pere, made history as the youngest Kenyan ever to qualify for the second round of the Winter Games.

The 18-year-old French-born athlete delivered an impressive Olympic debut, completing two strong slalom runs at the Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

He posted a combined time of 2:52.78, clocking 1:29.57 in his first run and 1:23.21 in the second to finish 66th overall and fourth among African competitors.

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“I am very happy with my performance. This race for me is symbolising hope, beginnings and new chapters in life,” said Issa. “Something about this place is so special, I'm really happy to be here to carry the Kenyan flag.”

Issa becomes the third Kenyan to compete at the Winter Olympics, following cross-country skiing pioneer Philip Boit and alpine skier Sabrina Simader, who withdrew from competition at the eleventh hour.

Reflecting on the broader significance of his participation, Issa emphasised the potential for winter sports growth across the continent.

“In Africa, it's the beginning, so there are a lot of things to improve. Winter sports are not a preserve of European countries, maybe alpine skiing, but even in Kenya, you can train and perform in other winter games sports disciplines. I hope to take part in the 2030 Winter Olympics,” he said.

Among the six African athletes in the event, French-born Benin skier Nathan Tchibozo was the highest finisher, placing 48th in 2:43.65. Madagascar’s Mathieu Gravier finished 57th, ranking second in Africa, while South Africa’s Swiss-born Thomas Weir placed 63rd with a time of 2:52.03.

Eritrea’s Shanon-Ogbanai Abeda, competing in his third Winter Olympics, finished 69th in 2:56.30. Morocco’s Pitro Tranchina did not complete his second run and was classified as Did Not Finish (DNF).