Stevenson Savart, a Haitian native, is on the verge of making history as Haiti’s first Olympic cross-country skier. Born in Delmas, Haiti, he moved to France at the age of three and was later adopted by Thierry and Sandrine. Settling in the Vosges region introduced him to skiing at an early age.
Early Life and Introduction to Skiing
From the moment he arrived in the Vosges, Savart was immersed in a skiing culture. He quickly took to the slopes, encouraged by his adoptive parents. “When I arrived in the Vosges with my adoptive parents, they put me straight on skis,” he recalled. His passion for skiing blossomed early, transitioning from athletics and mountain biking to focusing solely on cross-country skiing.
Path to Olympic Qualification
Now, as he prepares for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, Savart’s dedication is evident. He will represent Haiti as its first Olympic cross-country skier. “I’m going to the Olympics with 20 pairs of skis, 10 for skating and 10 for classic,” he shared, highlighting the difference in resources compared to larger nations.
Balancing Work and Training
In addition to training, Savart works as a teaching assistant at Toussaint Louverture High School in Pontarlier. Despite financial challenges, he remains focused, often combining training with his responsibilities at the school. “The school lets me train with the youngsters and use their equipment,” he noted.
Support From Olympic Solidarity
To help him achieve his Olympic dreams, Savart benefits from the Olympic Solidarity programme. This initiative supports athletes like him by redistributing resources from the IOC. “It allows me to live and buy equipment,” he explained, emphasizing the significance of the grant in his preparations.
Conclusion
As the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games approach, Stevenson Savart exemplifies determination and resilience. He is not only on the path to Olympic history for Haiti but also inspires future generations through his journey.
