Kenyan Skier Quest for Winter Olympics Glory

Kenya hopes to have a young athlete representing them in the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Gangwon 2024.

At just 16 years old, Issa Laborde possesses a relentless love for skiing and a fervent dream of competing in the Olympics. Hailing from the renowned ski haven of L'Alpe d'Huez in France, Laborde has been carving through the snow since childhood. Raised amidst the majestic peaks of the French Alps, Laborde's father, a ski patroller, instilled in him a deep passion for the sport. Yet, defying expectations, Laborde opted to embrace his mother's heritage and proudly don the colours of Kenya as he embarks on his skiing journey.

During previous winters, he has proudly represented Kenya and even took part in the U16 division of the La Scara race in Val d'Isère, a competition that is sometimes regarded as an unofficial FIS World Cup. Looking back on this experience, Laborde characterizes it as a magnificent voyage, despite not achieving his personal best. He had the opportunity to express himself and savour the enjoyment of the race, which made it a genuinely uplifting encounter. Representing Kenya at this elite level brought even more joy to Laborde, as it not only made his mother happy but also fulfilled his own aspirations.

After multiple visits to Kenya, he has developed a deep bond with the country and takes great pride in showcasing its colours while skiing. Issa Laborde finds himself physically distant from his family in Kenya. His longing to remain connected with them plays a significant role in shaping his decision. Opting to represent Kenya on the global stage is merely a fraction of his journey. Several years ago, Issa's mother initiated a tireless effort to make this dream come true by contacting people back in their homeland.

In Méribel-Courchevel, France, during the Alpine Skiing World Championships in February 2023, a glimmer of hope emerged with the arrival of the Kenyan delegation. Among them was Sabrina Simader, the only Kenyan athlete to have participated in the Winter Youth Olympic Games. Simader's journey began in Lillehammer 2016 where she gained valuable experience, and she went on to compete in alpine events at the Winter Olympics PyeongChang 2018. Prior to her, only Philip Boit, a cross-country skier, had represented Kenya in the Winter Olympics.

Issa Laborde finds inspiration in the remarkable achievements of athletes like Simader and Boit who have left a significant legacy in Olympic history. As a young athlete, he looks up to them and aims to continue their legacy by pushing his own limits to new heights. Seeking guidance from Simader on the art of excelling at winter sports, Laborde sees no limits in his own training as he endeavours to one day make a name for himself on the global stage.