Lasse Gaxiola, 17, and his mother, Sarah Schleper, 46, will become the first mother-son duo to compete for Mexico at the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. The 2026 Winter Games will mark Schleper’s seventh Olympic appearance and her first competing alongside her son, who qualified through International Ski Federation rankings.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Mexico’s Winter Olympic team will feature five athletes, including Schleper, Gaxiola, alpine skiers Regina Martínez and Allan Corona, and figure skater Donovan Carrillo. This marks an expansion from the four-athlete delegation sent to the 2022 Beijing Games.
Schleper, a former U.S. Olympian, switched allegiances to Mexico in 2015 after marrying Mexican coach Federico Gaxiola. Her career spans four Olympics for the U.S. (1998–2010) and two for Mexico (2018, 2022).
Deeper Dive & Context
Regina Martínez Breaks Barriers
Regina Martínez, 33, will become the first Mexican woman to compete in cross-country skiing. She took up the sport during medical studies in Minnesota, where harsh winters and isolation led her to find solace in skiing. Martínez credits the sport with helping her through difficult periods, describing it as a mental and physical challenge.
Mexico has had limited representation in Olympic cross-country skiing, with Roberto Alvarez competing in 1988 and 1992, followed by a 30-year gap until German Madrazo in 2018. Madrazo later coached subsequent athletes, including Martínez.
Lasse Gaxiola’s Path to the Olympics
Lasse Gaxiola secured his Olympic berth through junior and FIS-level races globally. He has competed in age-group events in Europe, demonstrating his skill in alpine skiing. His qualification completes Mexico’s five-member delegation for the 2026 Winter Games.
Historical Context and Significance
Schleper’s seventh Olympic appearance places her one short of the record eight held by Japanese ski jumper Noriaki Kasai and German speed skater Claudia Pechstein. Her best finish was 10th place in the women’s slalom in 2006, following her lone World Cup victory in the same event.
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina will run from February 6–22, featuring athletes from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. Mexico’s team reflects the country’s growing presence in winter sports, despite its limited history in the Winter Games.