14 African athletes making history at the Winter Olympics 

When most people think of Africa, snow isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. 

And yet, at the 2026 Winter Olympics, 14 African athletes will be competing across the slopes, ice, and more — representing countries from South Africa to Eritrea, Madagascar to Benin. 

For a continent where snow is genuinely rare, that presence is extraordinary. And it tells a bigger story about opportunity, ambition, and how Africa shows up on the global stage. 

Here are the African athletes who are representing their countries at the 2026 Winter Olympics:

South Africa

South Africa leads the continent with five athletes, competing across alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, skeleton, and cross-country skiing — reflecting years of persistence and boundary-pushing. 

This year’s Olympic athletes from South Africa include Lara Markthaler (Alpine skiing), Matt Smith (Cross-country skiing), Nicole Burger (Skeleton), Malica Malherbe (Freestyle skiing), Thomas Weir (Alpine skiing). 

Nigeria 

Nicknamed “the skier from the country without snow,” Samuel Ikpefan made history at Beijing 2022 as Nigeria’s first Olympic cross-country skier and now returns to the Winter Olympics, determined to push limits and inspire the next generation. 

Kenya 

Flying Kenya’s flag high on the slopes, alpine skier Issa Laborde is showing that dreams aren’t limited by geography. 

Morocco 

Morocco is represented by two athletes competing in alpine and cross-country skiing, highlighting North Africa’s growing presence in winter sport. This year’s Moroccan athletes are Pietro Tranchina, for alpine skiing, and Abderrahim Kemmissa, for cross-country skiing.  

Guinea-Bissau 

Making history on the slopes, Winston Tang will compete in alpine skiing as Guinea-Bissau’s first-ever Winter Olympian. 

Madagascar 

Mialitiana Clerc and Mathieu Neumuller will represent Madagascar in alpine skiing, with Neumuller returning for his second Olympic Games as a flag bearer — highlighting the resilience it takes to compete at this level. 

Eritrea 

Shannon-Ogbnai Abeda competes in his third and final Winter Olympics, closing a historic chapter as Eritrea’s first Winter Olympian. 

Benin 

At just 21, Nathan Tchibozo is set to make history as Benin’s first-ever Winter Olympian, representing a milestone moment for the country. 

Together, these athletes represent more than competition. They represent ambition beyond geography — and a growing African presence on global stages.