South African Skier Qualifies for Olympics in Just 2 Years

When Matt Smith moved from sunny Cape Town to freezing Oslo in 2022, he faced a choice: hibernate indoors or embrace the Norwegian winter like a local.

The 35-year-old chose skis. Just two years later, he qualified for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics as South Africa's cross-country skier.

Smith's qualifying race at the Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim tested everything he had learned. He fell early in the race, and his pole swung into his ski, chipping the edge. He borrowed a pole from a stranger, gathered himself on a downhill, and pushed forward.

He finished four minutes behind the winner. That was enough to qualify.

"When I finished the race, I was at peace," Smith told Daily Maverick. "I was like, what a two-year journey, huh? At least I can say for the rest of my life, I gave absolutely everything."

His joy was interrupted when two Nordic skiers criticized the Olympic quota system on their podcast, complaining that allowing athletes from "smaller" and "exotic" nations lowered the bar. They suggested cross-country skiing should focus on countries with established skiing markets instead.

Smith posted a video response explaining what athletes from non-traditional skiing nations face. They often fund themselves, train between day jobs, and have limited resources and community support.

"I wanted to speak up because I see my role as an athlete and also as a role model," Smith said. "There are little kids listening and watching, and whether they realise it or not, they're absorbing our behaviours, our language."

The podcasters invited him on their show for a discussion. Smith didn't come to defend himself but to unite around the sport's growth.

Why This Inspires

Smith's story challenges the idea that winter sports belong only to wealthy northern countries. His journey shows that passion and dedication can overcome geographic and financial barriers.

The Olympics was built on global participation, not exclusivity. Smith believes sharing knowledge and resources will grow the sport from the bottom up, creating opportunities for kids who might never see snow in their home countries.

With two weeks until the Games begin, Smith is ready. His first race is Friday, February 13, and he's done the work: hours on skis, threshold intervals, strength training, visualization, and mental preparation.

His goal isn't just to compete but to arrive as the happiest, healthiest version of himself, ready to race the best race of his life.