At just 18, Issa Gachingiri Laborde Dit Pere is set to make history as Kenya’s lone alpine skier at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, with his debut in the men’s giant slalom scheduled for Saturday, February 14.
Laborde steps into the spotlight after compatriot Sabrina Simader, Kenya’s first Winter Olympian in 2018, withdrew due to financial constraints.
Born in Echirolles, France, to a Kenyan mother and French father, Laborde grew up skiing in the French Alps, yet chose to represent Kenya, embracing his heritage and the weight of national expectations.
The young skier first caught attention at the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympics, where he became Kenya’s first male alpine skier to compete internationally, participating in all four alpine events. That experience paved the way for his senior-level Olympic qualification.
At the Livigno opening ceremony, Laborde proudly served as Kenya’s flag bearer, leading the small delegation with pride. Supported by the IOC’s Olympic Solidarity fund, he trained intensively in Bormio to prepare for his giant slalom event.
“For this Olympics, the goal of this season was to be here,” Laborde said.
Laborde hopes his participation will inspire young African athletes to explore winter sports, where Black representation remains rare. Simader, now attending as a spectator, plans to cheer on the rising star from the sidelines.
It is an important moment in Kenya’s winter sports journey, showing the nation’s reach beyond traditional strengths like athletics.
