Rakan Alireza will make history at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy as one of only two athletes to ever represent Saudi Arabia at the Games. After a determined qualification journey, the cross-country skier secured his spot on the world’s biggest winter sports stage.
Alireza’s path to the Olympics is unusual and inspiring. Originally a competitive rower, he transitioned to cross-country skiing and first qualified for the Winter Olympics in Beijing 2022. However, Saudi Arabia was allotted only one athlete spot at those Games, which was given to Fayik Abdi, who competed in giant slalom. Despite this setback, Alireza remained focused and will finally fulfill his Olympic dream in Milan-Cortina next year.
“I never imagined myself at the Olympics,” Alireza told Al Arabiya English in an exclusive interview. “Not because it wasn’t a dream worth having, but because growing up, I never thought sports would play such a central role in my life. To now represent Saudi Arabia on the world’s biggest stage is not just an honor, it’s a blessing.”
Alireza views his achievement in the context of his country’s evolving ambitions. “Saudi Arabia is changing; it is bold, ambitious, and full of momentum. As Saudis, it’s our duty to carry that same spirit. If our country is reaching for greatness, then we should too.”
Supported by the Saudi Snow Sports Federation and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC), Alireza reflected on his final qualifying race as both his best performance and an emotional milestone. “I didn’t want it to end. I had worked tirelessly for years and grown to truly love the sport. That race represented everything I had been through: the sacrifices, the setbacks, the growth.”
His athletic background has helped him excel in skiing. “Rowing is about rhythm and synchronization with your crew, moving as one on the water,” Alireza explained. “Cross-country skiing demands balance, power transfer, and adaptability to changing snow conditions. It’s much more individual, so you are fully responsible for your own performance.”
He emphasized that passion has driven his journey. “I didn’t start rowing or skiing to win medals; I started because I enjoyed the process. Any success has been a byproduct of doing what I love with full commitment.”
Looking ahead, Alireza hopes to inspire others in Saudi Arabia, especially young people. “I want them to see that you don’t have to follow the traditional path to do something great. You can come from the desert and still compete on snow. You can start late and still catch up. You can fail and still come back stronger.”
Alireza’s story is a powerful example of perseverance and ambition, reflecting a changing Saudi Arabia reaching toward new horizons in sport and beyond.