Rakan Alireza: From Jeddah’s waters to Milan’s Olympic slopes

JEDDAH: Cross-country skier Rakan Alireza has made history as the first Saudi athlete to compete in cross-country skiing at the 2026 Winter Olympics. He is now focused on leaving an even bigger mark on the sport.

Known for his unique dual-sport talent in skiing and rowing, Alireza last year won a rowing gold medal at the Saudi Games, the Kingdom’s premier national sporting event held annually.

Having steadily progressed on the international ski circuit, he has recently competed in several global events, including the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships. Above all, Alireza has successfully qualified for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and is already focused on preparing for the prestigious event.

“I’ve been working toward this goal for years,” Alireza told the media recently. “It’s a dream that’s coming closer, but there’s still a lot of work to do.”

Despite tough competition and limited snow exposure at home, his international experience and discipline keep him in the running.

Alireza’s journey has already inspired many in the Kingdom. He trains year-round, alternating between alpine slopes and watersport arenas.

His ambition extends beyond personal milestones. “If I can qualify, it opens the door for others. It shows that Saudis belong in winter sports too,” he told Arab News.

With growing institutional backing and increasing public interest, Alireza represents a shifting athletic landscape in Saudi Arabia, one where snow is no longer off-limits.

For most athletes, preparing for the Winter Olympics involves snow, mountains, and early mornings in alpine silence. For Rakan Alireza, it begins in the desert heat of Jeddah.

Now 29, the Saudi athlete will represent the Kingdom in cross-country skiing at the