Representing your country in the Olympics is great. But in this Winter Game, Sarah Schleper is aiming for something greater.

Being the oldest alpine skier on the roster wasn’t cool enough for Schleper. So now, she’s reaching new heights with her 18-year-old son.

Schleper and Lasse Gaxiola are the first mother-son duo to compete in Alpine skiing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. As they prepare to represent Mexico on the ice, the 46-year-old shared what it is like to touch this feat.

"I just want to support him (Lasse) and be by his side. Because I know that a part of his dream was mine, and it still is for me”, she said. "It's very exciting, and it's our life. For many years, we thought it could happen, and to see that it's finally happening... It's hard to wrap our heads around it.”

The seven-time Olympian also talked about the pressure and pride Lasse feels.

“This is a lot of pressure for him, but he wants to achieve it. He’s already in his place, and he’s earning—or has earned—his place,” she said. “He skis very well now, and he wants to do it for his mom and for his country, to go to the Olympic Games.”

Schleper’s last Olympic will pass by sharing slopes with her son. It’s a dream for her, as she said. However, it’s not just her who finds this special.

Lasse Gaxiola Shares the Same Dream as His Mother

For Gaxiola, his mom is the greatest teacher in ski racing. Under her guidance, he secured a silver medal at the Carrera Internacional Pinocchio in Italy.

The 18-year-old also raced on the FIS circuit and gathered enough points and podium expectations. And that helped him to claim Mexico’s spot in alpine skiing.

So, when both were selected, the joy was shared, the dream was mutual. “It’s her dream to compete with me, and it’s mine too. My mom is really happy”, he said. “My mom has taught me everything I know about skiing. And going with her to the Games is something very special for me, because I get to give back some of what she has taught me”.

In 2015, Schleper crossed the finish line of the Alpine Ski World Championships in Lienz, holding young Lasse in her arms. And now, things have come to a full circle as they compete side by side.

How do you think their game will look as the program progresses? Comment down your thoughts.

You can read more at She Got Game!

Written by

Deblina Roy

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu