Kenya Ski Federation president, Philip Boit (L), Issa Laborde, Noc-k Secretary General, John Ogolla, Issa's mum Josephine Laborde and his father Laborde/HANDOUT 
Kenya’s sole representative at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, Issa Laborde, made history by becoming the youngest Kenyan ever to qualify for the second round of the Winter Games.

The 18-year-old, French-born athlete impressed on his Olympic debut with two solid slalom runs at the Stelvio Ski Centre on Saturday.

Issa posted a combined time of 2:52.78 after clocking 1:29.57 in the first run and 1:23.21 in the second, placing 66th overall. He was also ranked fourth among the African competitors.

“I am very happy with my performance. This race for me symbolises hope, beginnings and new chapters in life,” said Issa. “Something about this place is so special. I’m really happy to be here to carry the Kenyan flag.”

Issa becomes the third Kenyan to compete at the Winter Olympics, following pioneer Philip Boit and alpine skier Sabrina Simader, who withdrew from the competition at the eleventh hour.

“In Africa, it’s the beginning, so there are a lot of things to improve. Winter sports are not a preserve of European countries. Maybe alpine skiing is, but even in Kenya, you can train and perform in other winter disciplines. I hope to take part in the 2030 Winter Olympics,” he added.

Among the six African competitors, Benin’s Nathan Tchibozo was the best-placed, finishing 48th in a combined time of 2:43.65.

Madagascar’s Mathieu Gravier placed 57th in the world and second among the African contingent, ahead of South Africa’s Thomas Weir, who clocked 2:52.03 for 63rd place.

Eritrea’s Shannon‑Ogbanai Abeda, competing in his third Winter Olympics, finished 69th with a combined time of 2:56.30.

Morocco’s Pitro Tranchina did not complete his second run and was classified as Did Not Finish (DNF).