Lara Markthaler, Malica Malherbe and Nicole Burger to Fly the SA Flag at 2026 Winter Olympics
The South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC) named its squad, which travelled to the Winter Olympics on Monday, 26 January 2026.
Eighteen-year-old Lara Markthaler is the youngest member of the women’s contingent, and she is set to compete in the Slalom & Giant Slalom Alpine skiing competition. The other members, Malica Malherbe, will be participating in the Freestyle event, while Nicole Burger will be competing in the skeleton race.
The team is made up of all athletes making their first appearance at the Winter Olympics for Team South Africa. Markthaler will be representing South Africa at her first senior-level Olympic Games, after her participation at the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympics.
President of SASCOC Barry Hendricks congratulated the athletes who have been announced and went on to share that there will be a good payday for the athletes who secure medals at the Winter Olympics.
“It always brings great pleasure to announce any team that will represent South Africa at a multi-coded Games, with the Winter Olympic Games being the pinnacle for any athlete participating in snow sports.”
Hendricks announced financial incentives to reward medal performances of the athletes, with gold medalists to be awarded R400,000, and the coach to receive R100,000. Silver medallists will earn R200,000 with R50,000 to the coach, while the bronze medal payouts will be R75,000 and R25,000 for the athlete and coach, respectively.
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SASCOC CEO Nozipho Jafta said they expect Team SA to be competitive, as they usually have been in previous years.
“Team South Africa has always competed with pride at the Winter Olympic Games. In this edition, we expect similar, in the pursuit for excellence.
“We wish them every success and assure them that they have the support of the entire nation behind them.”
SASCOC CEO, Nozipho Jafta
“Beyond the quest for podium finishes,” said Jafta, “We hope that their representation of the country will inspire a lot more younger athletes to follow their dreams to one day be a part of the Winter Olympic Games in the future.”
The Winter Olympic Games will be staged from 6 to 22 February 2026, in Milano Cortina, Italy.
Team SA Squad for 2026 Winter Olympics
Lara Markthaler (Slalom & Giant Slalom)
Malica Malherbe (Freestyle skiing)
Nicole Burger (Skeleton)
Team South Africa at Previous Winter Olympics
Patricia Eastwood and Marion Sage: Figure skating 1994, Lillehammer, Norway
Cindy Meyer: Short track speed skating 1998, Nagano, Japan
Shirene Human: Figure skating 2002, Salt Lake City, USA
Main Photo Caption: Young Alpine skiing sensation Lara Markthaler prepares for her senior Olympic debut as she represents South Africa in the Slalom and Giant Slalom events following SASCOC’s announcement of the all-debutant female contingent of Team South Africa featuring Lara Markthaler, Malica Malherbe and Nicole Burger for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy from 6 February 2026. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Freestyle skier Malica Malherbe gears up to showcase her skills on the global stage as part of the talented Team South Africa.
Crédito: Link de origem