Mexico's mother-son Alpine skiing duo set to make Winter Olympics history

Sarah Schleper, 46, and Lasse Gaxiola, 18, are the first mother and son to compete at the same Winter Games.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Sarah Schleper, a seven-time Olympian who has represented the United States and Mexico in Alpine skiing, will compete at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games alongside her 18-year-old son Lasse Gaxiola. Together, they will be the first mother-and-son duo to compete at the same Winter Olympics.

Why it matters

Schleper's journey from representing the U.S. to competing for Mexico, and now sharing the Olympic stage with her son, is a unique and inspiring story that highlights the power of family, perseverance, and the enduring passion for the sport of skiing.

The details

Schleper, who is 46 years old, will compete in the women's super-G and giant slalom events, while her 18-year-old son Lasse Gaxiola will race in the men's giant slalom and slalom. The Alpine skiing events are spread across two mountain locations, making it difficult for Schleper to shuttle between her competition and her son's events.

  • Schleper carried her 3-year-old son Lasse down a slalom course during her final World Cup season before stepping away from the U.S. ski team in 2011.
  • Schleper began representing Mexico at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games after marrying her husband, Federico Gaxiola de la Lama.
  • Schleper and Lasse will both compete for Mexico at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, making them the first mother-and-son duo to do so at the Winter Olympics.

The players

Sarah Schleper

A seven-time Olympian who has represented the United States and Mexico in Alpine skiing. She is 46 years old and will compete in the women's super-G and giant slalom events at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games.

Lasse Gaxiola

Schleper's 18-year-old son, who will make his Olympic debut at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, competing in the men's giant slalom and slalom events for Mexico.

Federico Gaxiola de la Lama

Schleper's husband, who suggested the idea of her carrying their 3-year-old son Lasse down a slalom course during her final World Cup season with the U.S. ski team in 2011.

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What they’re saying

“What's really special is, like, my last race as an American, I carried him down, because I was basically the only mother on tour. So now that we're doing this, we're still involved in the sport and how much we love and have passion for the sport, that it's able to share it within the family has been really unique.”

— Sarah Schleper (The Athletic)

“It's like surreal, kind of seeing that photo and then being here with her, and getting to experience the Games together. It's a very special feeling, something I've never felt before. Doing it with my mom makes it even more special for me, but I'm just glad I get to take part, and skiing is so fun and I'm just happy I get to keep racing.”

— Lasse Gaxiola (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Alpine skiing events at the Milan Cortina Games will take place from February 19-26, 2026. Schleper will compete in the women's super-G on February 20 and the women's giant slalom on February 23, while Gaxiola will race in the men's giant slalom on February 22 and the men's slalom on February 24.

The takeaway

The story of Sarah Schleper and her son Lasse Gaxiola competing together at the Winter Olympics is a heartwarming tale of family, perseverance, and the enduring passion for the sport of skiing. Their journey from Schleper's time with the U.S. ski team to representing Mexico, and now sharing the Olympic stage as the first mother-and-son duo, is an inspiring example of how sports can bring people together and create lasting memories.