South African Athletes Matt Smith and Nicole Burger Compete in Their First Winter Olympics Events in Milano Cortina

For the first time at the 2026 Winter Olympics, South African athletes Matt Smith and Nicole Burger took to the snow and ice, marking an historic moment for Team SA.

With five athletes representing the country — the largest Winter Olympic delegation ever — Friday was a day of firsts, challenges, and personal triumphs.

Matt Smith Tackles 10km Cross-Country Skiing for the First Time

Matt Smith, 35, was the first Team SA athlete in action on Friday, competing in the men’s 10km Cross-Country Skiing final.

Despite only starting the sport two years ago after moving from Cape Town to Norway, Smith completed the course in 30:04.4, placing 108th out of 113 competitors.

He finished 9 minutes and 28 seconds behind the gold medallist, Johannes Klaebo of Norway.

Smith’s journey is remarkable not only for the steep learning curve but also for the personal dream of representing his country at the Olympics.

“I’m just sort of coming in here as a smiley-faced, energetic South African guy in my mid-30s, trying to fulfill a dream of representing my country,” he told Olympics.com, pointing at his chest where he planned to get a commemorative tattoo.

Nicole Burger Blazes a Trail in Skeleton

On the same day, 31-year-old Nicole Burger took to the track in the women’s Skeleton.

Based in England where she serves in the Royal Air Force, Burger faced four heats at the Cortina Sliding Centre.

In the opening run, she clocked 59.63 seconds at a top speed of 116.58 km/h, ranking 25th.

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In the second heat, she slightly improved to 59.43 seconds, though she remained last overall.

The third and fourth heats were scheduled for Saturday, 14 February.

Despite the rankings, Burger’s debut represents a major milestone for South African participation in winter sports, especially in high-speed disciplines where experience and specialized training play a huge role.

From Cape Town to the Olympics

Matt Smith’s route to the Winter Olympics is unusual but inspiring.

Born in South Africa, he moved to Great Britain at the age of eight and later relocated to Norway after university to pursue cross-country skiing.

Starting the sport just two years ago, he had already competed at the 2025 FIS Nordic World Championships, where he placed 131st.

His Olympic debut demonstrates the persistence and determination required to reach the pinnacle of sport.

Both Smith and Burger embody the growing presence of South African athletes in winter sports, a realm traditionally dominated by European and North American competitors.

What’s Next?

For Matt Smith, the focus is on finishing strong and gaining valuable experience for future competitions, while Nicole Burger will aim to improve her overall ranking in the remaining two skeleton heats.

Team SA will continue to learn from every run and race, and their performances could inspire a new generation of South African winter sports athletes.

The Winter Olympics continue until 23 February, and with Team SA’s historic participation, every race, heat, and time is a chance to showcase talent on the world stage.

Summary

South African athletes Matt Smith and Nicole Burger made their Winter Olympics debuts at the 2026 Milano Cortina Games.

Smith competed in the men’s 10km Cross-Country Skiing, placing 108th, while Burger raced in the women’s Skeleton, ranking 25th after two heats.

Both athletes represent milestones for South Africa in winter sports, highlighting personal perseverance and expanding the country’s presence at the global Winter Games.

Remaining events offer opportunities for improved results and experience for Team SA.