Kenyan star Issa Laborde makes Olympics history

From left: Kenya Ski Federation president Philip Boit, Issa Laborde, NOC-K Secretary General John Ogolla, Issa's mother Josephine Laborde and his father Laborde pose for a group photo after his final ski at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. [NOC-K Media]

Kenya’s sole representative at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy, Issa Gachiringi Laborde Fit Pere made history by being the youngest ever Kenyan to qualify into the second round at the Winter Games.

It was an impressive day for the young and upcoming 18-year-old French born athlete making his debut at the Olympic stage of two solid slalom runs.