Mexico skier Sarah Schleper and son Lasse set to make Olympic history

Schleper, 47, will compete in her seventh Olympics, while her 18-year-old son Lasse makes his debut for Mexico at the Milan Cortina Games.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Sarah Schleper, a former U.S. ski team member, and her son Lasse Gaxiola are set to become the first mother and son to compete at the same Winter Olympics. Schleper, 47, will race in the super-G and giant slalom events for Mexico, while her 18-year-old son Lasse will compete in the giant slalom and slalom. The pair have a long history in the sport, with Schleper carrying Lasse down the slopes during her final World Cup run in 2011 before retiring from the U.S. team.

Why it matters

This historic moment highlights the enduring passion for skiing in the Schleper-Gaxiola family, as well as the unique opportunity for a mother and son to share the Olympic experience together. It also showcases Mexico's growing presence in winter sports, with Schleper gaining Mexican citizenship to continue her competitive career.

The details

Schleper, who turns 47 on February 19, will be competing in her seventh Olympics, her third representing Mexico. Her son Lasse, who just turned 18, will be making his Olympic debut. While the two will be competing in different venues, they hope to catch each other's events when possible. Schleper's husband Federico will be coaching Lasse, while Schleper will be coached by Hubertus Von Hohenlohe, a German prince and former Olympic skier for Mexico.

  • Schleper will race the super-G on Thursday and the giant slalom on Sunday in Cortina d'Ampezzo.
  • Lasse will race the giant slalom on Saturday and the slalom on Monday in Bormio.
  • Schleper hopes to travel to Bormio right after her giant slalom race to watch Lasse's slalom event.

The players

Sarah Schleper

A 47-year-old skier competing in her seventh Olympics, her third representing Mexico after gaining citizenship. She previously competed for the U.S. ski team, retiring in 2011.

Lasse Gaxiola

Schleper's 18-year-old son, who is making his Olympic debut competing for Mexico in the giant slalom and slalom events.

Federico Gaxiola

Schleper's husband, who will be coaching Lasse at the Olympics.

Hubertus Von Hohenlohe

A 67-year-old German prince and former Olympic skier who is now coaching Schleper at the Milan Cortina Games.

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What they’re saying

“This is already such an amazing event. But coming here with my mom and getting to see my family, it just makes it feel so special and amazing to be together.”

— Lasse Gaxiola

“For me, success is just us both being here. We've found success.”

— Sarah Schleper

“She's a lot more patient than me. I have maybe a little different style but she's definitely molded me. She's definitely the base of influence.”

— Lasse Gaxiola

What’s next

Schleper hopes to travel to Bormio right after her giant slalom race on Sunday to watch Lasse compete in the slalom event on Monday.

The takeaway

This historic moment showcases the enduring passion for skiing in the Schleper-Gaxiola family, as well as Mexico's growing presence in winter sports. It is a testament to the power of family and the lifelong bonds forged through a shared love of the sport.