The upcoming Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics is set to showcase an extraordinary first: a mother and her son competing in the same event. This milestone features Sarah Schleper, a veteran skier who will make her seventh Olympic appearance, and her son Lasse Gaxiola, an 18-year-old promising skier. Sarah has a deep connection to Italy, where she has achieved significant successes, including a top ten finish at the 2006 Torino Olympics and notable performances at various World Cup events in Italy, particularly in Sestriere.

In her latest Olympic run, Sarah Schleper participated in the SuperG event, which was won by fellow athlete Federica Brignone. Although she finished in last place, her participation is historic, highlighting the emotional stories and familial ties often seen in large sporting events. Meanwhile, her son Lasse was competing in the men’s trials a short distance away, marking a special moment for their family and Olympic history.

This unique dynamic of having a mother and son as competitors raises broader implications about the nature of sports and family involvement. It represents not just a personal achievement for the Schleper-Gaxiola family, but also reflects the evolving landscape of the Olympics, where diverse stories and backgrounds are increasingly embraced, enhancing the spirit of athletic competition worldwide.