Six Olympic skiers from African and Caribbean nations gathered in Bormio, Italy, on February 15 to push for greater inclusion and support in winter sports. Joined by parents, coaches, and federation leaders, they highlighted the challenges faced by athletes from smaller nations. The event underscores progress in diversity while calling for enhanced financial aid.
In Bormio, Italy, where men's alpine races are underway, representatives from Jamaica, Kenya, Eritrea, Madagascar, South Africa, and Benin convened on February 15 to promote inclusion at the Winter Olympics. The group, organized by Henri Rivers III—coach of the Jamaica ski team, father of slalom skier Henri Rivers IV, and president of the National Brotherhood of Snowsport (NBS)—aimed to support athletes of color in snowsports.
Rivers noted that many of these skiers train alone at home, rarely encountering others of similar backgrounds. "Look at all these athletes that you're looking at here. I can tell you, they probably train on a hill where they're the only ones," he said. The gathering sought increased backing from the International Olympic Committee and larger confederations for smaller nations.
Kenyan skier Issa Gachingiri-Laborde, 18, had recently finished 66th out of 73 in the giant slalom. His mother, Josephine Laborde Gachingiri, emphasized the broader significance: "It's not just about racing... It's just about inclusion. The Olympic motto says, 'Inclusion.'" She added that every country deserves representation, regardless of resources.
Rivers reflected on advancements since the 1988 Jamaican bobsled team's debut, mentioning the first Black African skier, Lamine Gueye, in 1984. This year, 14 athletes from African nations are competing—more than double the number from the 2022 Beijing Games. He predicted Black athletes reaching podiums in alpine skiing within 16 years.
Financial challenges persist for athletes from budget-limited countries. Rivers praised the Olympic Solidarity Fund but called it insufficient, stating that organizations like NBS fill gaps in national support. Haiti's ski federation president, Jean Pierre Roy, echoed this, noting the difficulties for small nations on their second Olympic appearance with skiers Richardson Viano and cross-country athlete Stevenson Savart. "It's very hard work," Roy said.
Eritrean skier Shannon Abeda, in his third Olympics, found camaraderie uplifting: "It makes me feel less alone." Debutant Henri Rivers IV, 18, shared similar sentiments: "Back home I feel like a Black kid, but now here I just feel like a kid." The group plans ongoing collaboration to build resources for such nations.
