Caribbean Athletes Ready For Historic Winter Olympics Debut

The Caribbean is once again set to make waves on the world’s icy stage, as athletes from Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad and Tobago prepare to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. For a region more synonymous with sun, sand, and cricket pitches, the sight of its flags fluttering at the Winter Games is a testament to both determination and the growing diversity of the Olympic movement. With representation in Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, men’s bobsleigh, monobob, and women’s skeleton, the Caribbean’s presence is stronger and more varied than ever before.

Trinidad and Tobago is poised for a particularly historic moment. The twin-island nation, already a familiar face in bobsleigh, is set to make its Olympic Alpine skiing debut at Milano Cortina 2026. Emma Gatcliffe and Nikhil Alleyne have been named to the squad, marking the first time Trinidad and Tobago will compete in this discipline at the Winter Games. The country also secured quota places in both two-man and four-man bobsleigh, signaling a significant expansion of its winter sports ambitions. The bobsleigh team includes Axel Brown, Shakeel John, De Aundre John, Xaverri Williams, and Micah Moore—athletes who have trained tirelessly to bring Caribbean speed to the icy tracks of Italy.

Jamaica, the Caribbean’s most storied Winter Olympic nation, continues to build on a legacy that began with the legendary bobsled team immortalized in the film "Cool Runnings." For 2026, Jamaica will compete in the men’s two-man and four-man bobsleigh, as well as the monobob event. The men’s bobsleigh roster features Shane Pitter, Nimroy Turgott, Andrae Dacres, Junior Harris, Tyquendo Tracey, and Joel Fearon—names that Jamaican fans have come to cheer for. Mica Moore will take on the monobob, a fast-growing event that has brought new excitement to the sliding sports. And let’s not forget Henri Rivers IV, who earned a men’s Alpine skiing quota place, further proving Jamaica’s commitment to branching out in winter sports.

Haiti’s journey to Milano Cortina is equally inspiring. The nation is expected to field two athletes: Richardson Viano in Alpine skiing and Stevenson Savart in cross-country skiing. For Haiti, every appearance at the Winter Games is a story of resilience and hope, as athletes overcome limited resources and infrastructure to compete at the highest level. Viano’s return to the Olympic slopes is particularly poignant, as he continues to blaze a trail for future Haitian winter athletes. Savart’s participation in cross-country skiing adds another layer to Haiti’s growing Olympic narrative, showing that with enough grit, even the most unlikely contenders can earn their place among the world’s best.

Puerto Rico, too, will have a strong presence in Milano Cortina, with Kellie Delka set to compete in women’s skeleton. The Comité Olímpico de Puerto Rico (COPUR) recently announced Delka’s qualification, a milestone for the island’s winter sports program. Skeleton, a sport that demands nerves of steel and lightning-fast reflexes, is not for the faint of heart. Delka’s journey to the Olympics has been marked by perseverance and a relentless drive to represent her homeland on the global stage.

It’s important to note that while these athletes have earned quota places and met the qualification standards, final participation at the Games depends on their respective National Olympic Committees (NOCs) officially selecting them for their delegations. As the International Olympic Committee notes, “National Olympic Committees have the exclusive authority for the representation of their respective countries at the Olympic Winter Games.” So, while the excitement is building, the final lineups will be confirmed closer to the opening ceremony.

The 2026 Winter Olympics, scheduled from February 6 to February 22, promise to be a showcase of both tradition and new beginnings. The presence of Caribbean athletes in events like Alpine skiing and skeleton—sports far removed from their tropical homelands—underscores the universal appeal of the Olympic spirit. It’s not just about winning medals; it’s about breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and inspiring the next generation to dream beyond borders.

For Trinidad and Tobago, the expansion into Alpine skiing is a bold leap. Emma Gatcliffe and Nikhil Alleyne’s selection is already generating buzz back home, where winter sports are still a novelty. Their journey to Milano Cortina has involved training stints in Europe and North America, adapting to conditions that couldn’t be more different from the Caribbean. According to the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee, “This is a historic moment for our nation. We are proud of our athletes’ commitment and look forward to seeing them represent us on the world stage.”

Jamaica’s bobsleigh teams, meanwhile, are determined to make a statement. The men’s squad, featuring a mix of seasoned competitors and promising newcomers, has been training rigorously in preparation for the high-speed demands of Olympic racing. Mica Moore’s participation in the monobob adds a new dimension to Jamaica’s sliding ambitions, and the inclusion of Henri Rivers IV in Alpine skiing highlights the country’s growing versatility. As the Jamaica Olympic Association put it, “Our athletes continue to push boundaries and inspire a new generation of winter sports enthusiasts.”

Haitian athletes Richardson Viano and Stevenson Savart have become symbols of perseverance. Viano, who made his Olympic debut in 2022, has spoken openly about the challenges he’s faced: “Representing Haiti on the world stage is an honor. I hope my journey encourages other young Haitians to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.” Savart, a relative newcomer to international competition, shares a similar sentiment, emphasizing the importance of representation and national pride.

Kellie Delka’s qualification in women’s skeleton is a watershed moment for Puerto Rico. The COPUR’s announcement was met with excitement and anticipation, as Delka prepares to take on the world’s best in one of the Winter Games’ most thrilling events. Her story is one of dedication and resilience—a reminder that Olympic dreams can flourish in even the most unexpected places.

With the countdown to Milano Cortina 2026 underway, the Caribbean’s winter athletes are training hard, fueled by the hopes of their nations and the support of fans worldwide. Whether they’re racing down icy tracks or carving through Alpine slopes, these competitors embody the Olympic motto: “Citius, Altius, Fortius”—Faster, Higher, Stronger. Their stories are proof that passion knows no climate, and that the Olympic dream belongs to everyone.

As the final rosters take shape and anticipation builds, the world will be watching to see how these Caribbean athletes fare on winter’s grandest stage. One thing’s for sure: the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will be all the richer for their presence.