Kenya at Milano Cortina 2026: Issa Laborde Finishes 66th in Giant Slalom
Updated October 9, 2026
Kenya initially announced alpine skiers Sabrina Wanjiku Simader and Issa Laborde for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Simader withdrew before the Games, leaving Laborde as Kenya’s sole competitor. He finished 66th in the men’s giant slalom with a combined time of 2:52.78.
From two announced athletes to one competitor
The National Olympic Committee of Kenya initially named both Simader and Laborde for the alpine skiing team. Simader later said she would not take part. That changed the final delegation: Laborde was the Kenyan athlete who competed at the Games.
Laborde’s Olympic result
Laborde competed in the men’s giant slalom. He completed both runs in 2 minutes, 52.78 seconds and placed 66th. The result gives a clearer account of Kenya’s participation than the early qualification announcement alone.
Kenya’s presence in alpine skiing reflects the work of athletes who train in countries with established winter-sport facilities and compete internationally for Kenya. It also shows why reports about Olympic qualification should be updated after withdrawals and final results.
