A remarkable story of ambition and unexpected triumph is unfolding in South African sports. Matt Smith, a 34-year-old from Cape Town, is poised to make history as the nation’s first cross-country skier at the Winter Olympics in over a decade. His ascent is a milestone for a country traditionally celebrated for its rugby prowess rather than snowy competitions.
The Tech Entrepreneur’s Transformation
Nicknamed the “Snowbok,” Smith secured a quota spot for Team South Africa at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Northern Italy. This is a formidable achievement for an athlete who took up cross-country skiing less than three years ago.
Smith, who once dreamt of wearing the Springbok rugby jersey, successfully pursued a career in technology startups. His life changed in 2022 when he relocated to Norway. Faced with the challenging icy winters, he embraced cross-country skiing. His early learning phase involved numerous falls and setbacks.
Inspired by a Mexican Olympic skier, Smith contacted Snow Sports South Africa. He committed to self-funding his entire Olympic campaign and demonstrated the fitness necessary to earn a Federation Internationale de Ski (FIS) code in 2023, officially cementing his status as a national athlete.
A Decade-Long Absence Ends
Now, Smith trains intensively in Oslo’s Holmenkollen, a globally recognized hub for the sport. He will represent a sport seldom seen in South African athletics. The last person to compete for South Africa in cross-country skiing at the Winter Olympics was Oliver Kraas, who participated in the 2010 Vancouver Games.
Smith reflected on his early struggles: “When I started, I was embarrassed to wear the South Africa kit. I was wobbly, but I realized it’s about rising, not how you fall. Now I’m proud to show my country’s colors.”
Inspiring the Unlikely Dream
Smith’s focus is not on winning medals. His primary objective is to inspire athletes from smaller nations and pave the way for greater South African participation in winter sports. Off the slopes, Smith works as a motivational speaker. He uses his platform to champion the power of perseverance and determination, both in sport and in business.
Although he will compete against giants like Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, Smith is specifically focused on being the top finisher among entrants from smaller nations, including competitors from Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Peru.
“I want to smile, wave, and represent South Africa with pride,” Smith stated, “because that’s the true Olympic spirit.” Beyond race results, he hopes his journey will encourage broader South African engagement with winter sports and motivate others to chase highly unlikely dreams.
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