The skier Lasse Gaxiola stars in one of the most symbolic debuts of Mexico in the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Gamessince, at just 17 years old, he is the youngest member of the delegation.
In addition, she will compete in the same Olympic edition as her mother, Sarah Schleper, something never before seen in a Winter Games.
Born on January 30, 2008 in Colorado, United States, he grew up surrounded by snow and ski culture. Its name is a tribute to the cNorwegian Olympic champion Lasse Kjus, and her training was guided by highly prestigious coaches, including Erich Sailer, recognized for having worked with Olympic champions and with Schleper herself.
A career that began since childhood
Gaxiola was linked to alpine skiing practically since he learned to walk. With experience in the United States and Italy, its technical development has focused on precision tests, especially slalom and giant slalom, disciplines that require reaction speed, edge control and terrain reading.
His official debut in FIS competitions came in 2024 in Perito Moreno, Argentina. Since then, he has been adding results that allowed him to climb positions in the international ranking, key to obtaining his Olympic classification.
Among his notable performances is a podium in giant slalom in the FIS Entry League at Loveland Ski Area and competitive performances in Vail and Aspen, which confirmed his projection as one of the young talents of Mexican alpine skiing.
In which events will you compete at Milano Cortina 2026?
Lasse Gaxiola will compete in two technical events in men’s alpine skiing:
The giant slalom will be held on Saturday February 14. The first round is scheduled at 03:00 hours, central Mexico time, and the second at 06:30. This test combines speed with wide turns and requires precision to maintain line and rhythm.
The slalom will take place on Monday February 16also with two rounds: the first at 03:00 and the second at 06:30. It is the most technical test of alpine skiing, with very close doors that require quick changes of direction and great agility.
Where to see Lasse Gaxiola at the Winter Olympics
Gaciola’s tests can be followed in Mexico through TUDN on television and digital platforms, the ViX platform, as well as the Canal Nu9ve and Claro Sports signals, which have coverage of the Winter Olympic Games.
What is alpine skiing?
Alpine skiing is a winter sport that consists of descending snowy slopes in the shortest time possible. It differs from other modalities by the use of bindings that keep the heel rigid to the board, allowing precise control at high speeds.
The competitions are divided according to the balance between speed and technique:
Downhill: The fastest test, with long courses and few sharp turns.
Slalom (Slalom): The most technical; The route is short and the turns are very tight and fast between markers called “doors”.
Giant Slalom: Similar to slalom but with a longer course, more spaced gates and greater speed.
Supergiant (Super-G): Combine the speed of descent with the technical precision of the giant.
Combined: A test that adds the times of a downhill heat and another slalom heat.
To practice it you require:
Skis: Boards with metal edges to grip hard snow.
Boots and bindings: System that anchors the foot firmly to the ski.
Canes: They help balance and set the pace of turns.
Protection: The use of a helmet is highly recommended and mandatory in competition.
