Six things to know about Haiti at the 2026 Winter Olympics

Haiti is back at the Winter Olympics with a two-athlete delegation competing in alpine and cross-country skiing at the 2026 Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Stevenson Savart, Haiti’s first Olympic cross-country skier, carried the national flag during the Parade of Nations, a proud moment for Haitians at home and across the diaspora. 

From a rare repeat appearance to culture-forward uniforms and diaspora representation, here are six things to know about Haiti’s presence on the Winter Games stage.

1. A rare winter-games appearnce

The showing marks only the second time Haiti has appeared at the winter games after debuting in 2022.

2. Two athletes, two ski disciplines

• Richardson Viano —alpine skier returning to represent Haiti after competing in Beijing 2022
• Stevenson Savart — Haiti’s first ever Olympic cross-country skier.

3. Expanding diaspora, identity on display

Both athletes grew up abroad but chose to represent their ancestral homeland on sport’s biggest stage. 

Ahead of the Games, Viano told the AP, “When you talk about Haiti it is in catastrophic terms. This is a way to find something nice.” 

“I am very proud that I can do that for Haiti,” Savart said. “Having Haiti visible will give me even more energy.”

Their presence highlights the role of the Haitian diaspora in expanding the nation’s sporting footprint. 

4. Uniforms stitched with symbolism 

Team Haiti introduced some of the most talked-about uniforms at the Milano-Cortina Games — hand-painted designs by Italian-Haitian designer Stella Jean inspired by Haitian art and identity.

The design draws from a painting by Haitian artist Edouard Duval-Carrié, that originally included revolutionary leader Toussaint Louverture on a red horse. The International Olympic Committee required the removal of Louverture’s figure for neutrality rules — but the red, riderless horse remains, lending symbolic power and beauty to the uniform. 

5. More than fashion — a cultural statement

The resulting costume, and the acclaim it has received, is fitting for Stella Jean, who treats the uniforms as cultural armor, a canvas to share Haiti’s history with the world. And, an opportunity to tell a story about Haiti that goes beyond headlines of hardship and into the realm of celebration and pride. 

The outfits have drawn international attention for blending sport, art and national identity.

6. Results and upcoming races

As of Tuesday, only Savart had competed, finishing 64th in cross-country skiing. Men’s alpine skiing,  Viano’s competition, is expected to take place Thursday and Friday.

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