This year’s Winter Olympics in Italy will see a unique milestone: Sarah Schleper and her son, Lasse Gaxiola, will become the first mother and son to compete in the same Games. The pair’s participation is a remarkable story of athletic perseverance and familial legacy.
A Full-Circle Moment
Schleper, 46, is set to appear in her seventh Winter Olympics, notably her third representing Mexico after acquiring citizenship through her husband. Gaxiola, 18, will be making his Olympic debut. Their journey is particularly poignant because it mirrors a heartwarming moment from Schleper’s past: nearly 15 years ago, she carried her then-toddler son down a slalom course at her final World Cup appearance before retiring from the U.S. ski team – an image that has become iconic.
Shared Passion, Separate Events
While both skiers will compete in giant slalom events, their schedules will keep them in different locations, at least initially. Schleper will race in Cortina, while Gaxiola will compete in Bormeo. However, she intends to travel to support him, hoping to attend his race alongside her husband, who also serves as their son’s coach.
A Legacy of Influence
Gaxiola acknowledges his mother’s significant influence on his skiing style. “She’s a lot more patient than me,” he shared, adding that while his approach differs, she “definitely molded me” and provided the foundational impact on his career. The young athlete barely remembers being carried down the course as a child, but now feels an overwhelming sense of family pride at competing alongside his mother.
“It’s just a fantasy story,” Schleper said to the Associated Press, underscoring how improbable this moment feels.
The pair’s simultaneous presence at the Olympics is not merely a heartwarming tale, but a rare feat in the history of the Games – confirmed by Olympic historian Bill Mallon. It is a reminder of how sports can unite generations, and how family bonds can transcend even the highest levels of competition.
This historic participation will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes, proving that with dedication and support, anything is possible.
