Team South Africa is ready to make history at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Our South African Olympic stars include: Lara Markthaler, Thomas Weir, Malica Malherbe and flag bearers Matthew Smith and Nicole Burger.
South Africa is traditionally celebrated as a summer sporting powerhouse and doesn’t participate much in the Winter Olympics. However, this year sees a small number heading to the Milano Cortina, northern Italy, Olympics. These 5 athletes are determined, contingent athletes who want to represent the country proudly.
Trading the African sun for the sub-zero temperatures of the Italian Alps, Team South Africa will be represented in alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, cross-country skiing and an event called the skeleton.
18-year-old Lara Markthaler, who has honed her skills on the international circuit, has become the face of South African winter sports. Lara is also the first South African female ski racer to compete at the Winter Olympics – a proud South African achievement.
According to IOL, “SASCOC has confirmed the incentive structure for the winter Olympics team, where any athlete who wins gold at the Games will be awarded R400 000, with the coach receiving R100 000. Silver medallists will earn R200 000 (R50 000 for the coach), while the bronze medal payouts will be R75 000 and R25 000, respectively”.
The Winter Olympics are set to take place on the 6th of February – 22nd of February 2026.
Also see: South African young tennis talent shines at Australian Open Juniors main draw
Feature Image: Gettys
