Kenyan Duo Qualify for Winter Olympics as Kenya Expands Its Winter Sports Legacy

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) has announced that Sabrina Wanjiku Simader and Issa Laborde have officially qualified to represent Kenya at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, marking another milestone in the country’s expanding Winter Olympics story.

Sabrina Wanjiku Simader, Kenya’s most established winter sports athlete, will compete in Alpine Skiing at her third Olympic Games.

She first made history at PyeongChang 2018, becoming Kenya’s first female Olympic skier, and returned at Beijing 2022, inspiring a new generation of African winter athletes.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

Born in Kenya and raised in Austria, Simader learned to ski as a child and has since carried Kenya’s flag onto some of the world’s most challenging alpine courses.

She has often spoken about her pride in representing her country of birth on the snow, demonstrating that excellence in winter sports is not limited to traditional nations. Her final event at Milano Cortina is scheduled for 18 February 18, 2026.

Joining Simader is Issa Laborde, one of Kenya’s youngest winter Olympians. Laborde is a product of the new generation of Kenyan winter sport athletes and made his international debut at the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games, competing in all four alpine skiing events.

This experience helped him gain valuable exposure and positioned him as a future contender on the Olympic stage.

Born and raised in France, Laborde chose to represent Kenya through his mother, motivated by a sense of family legacy and the ambition to inspire young Africans to believe in their potential in winter sports.

He is scheduled to compete on 14 February 2026, with full support from his technical team to ensure optimal performance and athlete welfare.

NOC-K emphasised that the qualification of both athletes reflects years of discipline, technical development, and international exposure.

In a statement, the committee said: “These athletes continue to show that Kenyan representation at the Winter Olympics is not symbolic, but competitive and intentional. Their journey to Milano Cortina is the result of years of dedication, technical expertise, and strategic development in winter sports.”

Kenya’s participation in the Winter Olympics is no longer limited to a symbolic presence. With athletes like Simader and Laborde, the country is demonstrating that it can compete at the highest levels while also inspiring future generations to explore sports beyond traditional disciplines.

As Kenya prepares for Milano Cortina 2026, the focus remains on delivering strong performances while continuing to expand Kenya’s sporting horizons.

The participation of both athletes reinforces the nation’s commitment to fostering winter sports talent and highlights the growing capabilities of the country’s technical programs.

With Simader’s experience and Laborde’s youthful promise, Kenya will once again showcase its presence on the world stage, combining legacy, skill, and ambition in its Winter Olympics journey.