Haiti’s presence at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics marks a significant moment for the nation, as it fields two athletes who embody resilience and hope. Despite the ongoing struggles facing Haiti, the athletes will compete in uniforms designed by Italian-Haitian designer Stella Jean, proudly showcasing their heritage.
Both athletes are set to wear uniforms that originally included an image of Toussaint Louverture, the leader of the Haitian Revolution and key figure in establishing the world’s first Black republic in 1804. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) intervened, deeming the image a violation of Olympic rules against political symbolism. Jean adapted the design by painting over Louverture, leaving an impactful image of a red horse against a tropical backdrop, with “Haiti” inscribed against the sky.
Symbol of Resilience in Adversity
The athletes’ participation comes against a backdrop of turmoil in Haiti. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, the country has faced escalating violence, with gangs seizing control of approximately 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. This has led to increased insecurity, including a surge in violent crime and child recruitment by armed groups.
“Haiti’s presence at the Winter Olympics is a symbol, a statement, not a coincidence,” stated Gandy Thomas, Haiti’s ambassador to Italy. “We may not be a winter country, but we are a nation that refuses to be confined by expectation.” Thomas emphasized that the athletes’ participation serves to counteract the often negative narrative surrounding Haiti.
Jean’s designs also include a look for the female delegation, featuring golden hoop earrings and a traditional Haitian tignon, a nod to the historical oppression women faced during colonial rule. “In these few meters of cloth, we must concentrate all of history and a message,” Jean remarked.
A New Era for Haitian Winter Sports
Haiti’s journey to the Winter Olympics began in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in 2010, when the nation established its ski federation to foster winter sports. Currently, the federation boasts seven athletes, two of whom will compete in Milan. Both athletes, Richardson Viano and Stevenson Savart, receive financial support through the IOC’s Olympic Solidarity program to aid in their training and competition costs.
Viano, aged 23, made history as Haiti’s first Winter Olympian at the 2022 Beijing Games, where he finished 34th in the men’s slalom. He expressed his belief that participation in winter sports offers a chance to reshape Haiti’s image. “When you talk about Haiti, it is often in catastrophic terms. This is a way to find something positive,” he stated from Bosnia, where he was preparing for the Games.
Savart, 25, is Haiti’s first Olympic Nordic skier. He shifted his allegiance to Haiti after not qualifying for France and sees this opportunity as a dream fulfilled. “I am very proud that I can do that for Haiti,” he said, acknowledging that while he may not finish among the leaders, wearing Haiti’s uniform will be a powerful motivator.
Ambassador Thomas noted that the stories of Viano and Savart resonate not only in Haiti but also among the Haitian diaspora, highlighting an enduring connection despite the challenges faced by the nation.
As the world tunes in to watch these athletes compete, many, including Cathleen Jeanty, a Haitian-American from New Jersey, will be rooting for them. Jeanty, who admits her limited knowledge of winter sports, sees the athletes as representatives of cultural pride and resilience. “People often do not realize the significance of standing alongside your peers,” she commented, reflecting on the broader implications of their participation.
Haiti’s athletes at the Winter Olympics serve as a powerful reminder of the nation’s spirit and determination to overcome adversity. Through their participation, they not only represent their country but also inspire hope for a brighter future.
