Simader is gearing up for her third Winter Olympics showdown in Lombardy, Italy

Kenyan Winter athlete Sabrina Simader is gearing up for her third Winter Olympics showdown in Lombardy, Italy, from February 6–22 next year.

The 26-year-old is looking to improve on her 28th place in the downhill and 30th in super-G—results she recorded in her third World Championships in Austria this season, as she prepares to represent Kenya once again in giant slalom.

Simader, the first female Kenyan to compete in the Winter Olympics and the second from her country to reach this stage, is not finished yet. “It’s a process, and I’m trusting God’s plan and His timing."

"I want to show that anything is possible and that you can chase your dream and make it a reality irrespective of competition, injuries and lack of financial support,” Simader said.

Simader fell in love with skiing after relocating to Austria with her mother when she was just three years old. She made her first forays into competition at age 13, competing for Kenya in the first Youth Olympics in Lillehammer in 2006 and battling back from injuries in a testament to pure perseverance.

“It’s a big challenge to keep up, especially when the budget is tight and you’re not supported by a strong team structure, but we’re not quitting," she said. 

"We are putting everything into this because we want to grow this sport in Kenya. We want to inspire the future generation, both girls and boys, to pursue their passions boldly, without looking back,” she added. 

Simader plans to launch a special empowerment programme for the Kenyan youth, with the support of her federation. She is keen to connect the youth with resources, training, and opportunities in a bid to foster a new generation of trailblazers on the slopes.

“It’s not just about me — it’s about opening doors for everyone who comes after me. We’re going forward together — faster, braver, and more determined than ever.”

Simader is currently on tour with her boyfriend, Manuel Trausenegger, and the two attended the Madaraka Day Cup at Panari Hotel Ice Rink in Nairobi on June 2, where they cheered on the Kenya Ice Lions as they defeated Team Worldb 9-5.

The global team was made up of players from the USA, Canada, and Finland. The couple donated equipment worth millions of shillings in recognition of the expenses ice athletes face just to compete. “Winter Olympics is a very expensive affair — I am currently trying to get sponsors to run my programme” she added.