Alpine Skiing

Issa Gachingiri Laborde

Olympian · Kenya's Flag Bearer, Milano Cortina 2026

Born 12 March 2007 L'Alpe d'Huez, France

Profile

Born in 2007 and raised in the alpine resort of L'Alpe d'Huez, Issa was on skis at age four. The son of a Kenyan mother and a French father, he proudly chose to represent Kenya, honoring his maternal heritage and expanding the visibility of winter sports across Africa. At 18, he was selected as Kenya's flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, becoming one of the youngest athletes ever to carry the Kenyan flag at a Winter Games. An ambassador for both his cultures, Issa stands for diversity and opportunity in international sport.

Sporting Journey

Issa entered his first races at four and stood on his first podium at ten. Trained in renowned French clubs, he built a strong technical foundation and deep racing experience across regional and national competitions, before choosing to race internationally for Kenya, driven by pride in his roots and a vision: winter sports are open to athletes from every background.

Career Highlights

First competitive races at age 4, first podium at age 10
Top 20 on the French Silver Cup circuit
Coq d'Or National Ski Open (2021–2022)
French Junior Second Division Championships
La Scara International Children's World Championships 2023, racing for Kenya

Historic Milestones

Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games

First Kenyan male alpine skier ever at the Winter Youth Olympic Games

Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games — Giant Slalom

Flag bearer for Kenya at the Opening Ceremony
Youngest Kenyan athlete to qualify for a second run at a Winter Olympics
4th highest-placed African athlete in the Giant Slalom

In Their Own Words

“Growing up in the French Alps gave me the opportunity to ski at a high level, representing Kenya allows me to honor my roots and show that dreams can cross borders.”

Identity

“Every training session, every race, every challenge has taught me that success comes from consistency, resilience, and believing in yourself.”

Perseverance

“If my journey can inspire even one young person in Kenya, Africa, or anywhere in the world to follow their passion, I will have achieved something meaningful beyond sport.”

Leadership

Gallery

Issa Laborde carving a giant slalom turn

Issa Laborde at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

“The mountains taught me to aim higher. Today, I ski to represent Kenya, inspire young people, and help write a new chapter in the history of African skiing.”

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