Historic Milestone: Ski Mom, 46, Competes at Olympics with Her Son
At the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Mexico will field a small delegation of five athletes. Among them is a remarkable mother-son duo that has captured the interest of sports fans worldwide. Sarah Schleper de Gaxiola, a former Olympic skier, will compete alongside her son, Lasse Schleper. This historic pairing marks the first time a mother and son have both participated in the Winter Olympics.
Historic Milestone: Ski Mom Competes at Olympics with Her Son
Sarah Schleper previously represented the United States in both the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics, competing in slalom and giant slalom events. During her Olympic debut in Turin, she secured a commendable tenth place finish. Now, at the age of 46, she returns to the Olympic stage with her son, who is set to make his debut as a competitor.
A Unique Journey
Lasse Schleper, now 17, will take to the slopes in 2026, a significant moment as his mother prepared him for a life in skiing from an early age. Sarah’s unique experience includes a memorable moment in 2011, when she celebrated her temporary retirement from competitive skiing by carrying her three-year-old son across the World Cup finish line in Lienz. This event symbolized their deep connection to the sport.
Thriving on Excitement
Reflecting on their upcoming participation, Sarah shared her excitement: “It’s very thrilling, and it’s our life. We always thought it might happen, and now that it’s actually happening, it’s hard to grasp.”
A Historic Outcome
While experts may not foresee medal opportunities for the Mexican duo, their joint presence at the Olympics embodies the spirit of participation. Both Sarah and Lasse are already winners in the eyes of the Olympic community, showcasing the joys and challenges of winter sports.
- Sarah Schleper: Former Olympian, competing for the USA in 2006 and 2010.
- Lasse Schleper: 17-year-old competitor, set to make his Olympic debut.
- First mother-son duo in Winter Olympics history.
- Previous Olympic event: Turin, 2006 – Sarah finished 10th.
The upcoming Winter Olympics promise to be a landmark event for both athletes, uniting them in a shared dream, and creating unforgettable memories.