Saudi Cross-country Skier Rakan Alireza on Dream Qualification for 2026 Winter Olympics
Rakan Alireza, a pioneer in Saudi Arabian winter sports, has achieved a landmark goal: qualification for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. The young athlete, who began his journey on the snow-covered trails of Europe, has become the first Saudi male cross-country skier to reach the world’s most prestigious winter sporting stage.
Speaking about his achievement, Rakan Alireza expressed immense pride at representing his country in cross-country skiing on a global platform: “My dream has come true. I hope to inspire a new generation of Saudis to pursue winter sports and represent our nation internationally.”
Alireza’s road to Olympic qualification was anything but easy. Training lacked local snow conditions, so he often traveled to Europe to hone his skills. He highlighted the pivotal role of the Saudi Winter Sports Federation, saying their support was crucial to his recent success.
Looking ahead, Alireza is optimistic about the future of winter sports in the Kingdom. He noted that continued investment in training and infrastructure will be key to fostering local talent. He hopes his story “can open doors for future athletes who want to believe that anything is possible when you work hard.”
The Saudi Olympic Committee has also lauded Alireza’s accomplishment, regarding it as a significant step in expanding the nation’s athletic ambitions beyond traditional sports. Their encouragement underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing a diverse sporting culture ahead of the 2029 Asian Winter Games, set to be hosted at the new Trojena development in NEOM.
As the countdown to Milan-Cortina 2026 continues, Rakan Alireza stands as a symbol of possibility and the growing movement of winter athletes from new regions.
Team V.DIR-LNK-FRM-UAE
