The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are just days away from Feb. 6–22 in Italy, and athletes from all around the world are getting ready to compete. Sixteen sports will be featured in the games, and Mexico is making history, not only sending the most athletes than ever before, but a mother and son will also compete at the same time for the first time in history.
Sarah Schleper, 46, and her teenage son, Lasse Federico Gaxiola, 17, will be making their way to northern Italy, hoping to win a medal. In an interview with Victory Media, Schleper shared insight into her son's mindset, saying he's a teenager with a mind of his own. "This is a lot of pressure for him, but he wants to achieve it. He’s already in his place, and he’s earning—or has earned—his place," she said.
"Láser is a kid who, his whole life, was up on skis. He always came with me to my jobs because I’m a coach, and I took him to the mountain from the time he was four years old. He was in the cold, he was crying so he could come down, but in the end, he was already—he skis very well now, and he wants to do it for his mom and for his country, to go to the Olympic Games," she continued.
She also shared a post on Instagram, writing in the caption, "Today's news reflects years of passion for my sport. Lots of laps in the snow and a total commitment to my son. This path has also strengthened our relationship as mother and son, training together and supporting each other always." "This reality is still setting in on us. We are proud and grateful for the love and support from our family, friends, sponsors and the entire ski community. It is an honor and a privilege to represent Mexico, the most spectacular country on the planet," she added.
Lasse, officially qualified for the Olympics based on his world ranking with the International Ski Federation, earned by competing in junior and higher-level FIS races internationally. He shared his excitement in an interview with InfoBae, saying, “I’m very happy to go with my mom. I don’t know how to explain it, but it’s something very special for me."
He said his mom, dad, and whole family would be there, explaining, "Being there to compete in something so big is a dream. I’ve dreamed about it for many years, and I’m very happy that I get the chance to go.”
Who is Sarah Schleper
While it's Lásee's first time at the Olympics, it's his mom's seventh. The Colorado native made her debut in 1998, racing in four Winter Olympics for the United States. Her biggest success was 10th place in the women’s slalom in 2006.
She married Mexican coach Federico Gaxiola in 2007, and did not compete in 2007-2008 after giving birth to Lásee. They are also the parents of an 11-year-old daughter named Resi.
After racing for 2 more years, she announced her retirement in December 2011.
However, after she became a Mexican citizen in 2014, she was eligible to represent the country. The International Ski Federation approved her request to compete under the Mexican flag, and she represented the country in 2018 and 2022.
In a 2018 interview with Vice, she said she was "extremely proud of being Mexican" and what she did to get the games again. She also talked about a young Lásee, “He doesn’t want to be a racer, but he’s a great skier," she said.
In what would be a manifestation, she added, "I’m pretty sure he’d compete for Mexico, though. It’s a long way away, but there’s an opportunity there.”
The other athletes representing Mexico are Alpine skier Regina Martínez, Alpine skier Allan Corona, and figure skater Donovan Carrillo.