PARK CITY, UT (May 29) – Following a request from Mexico, the International Ski Federation (FIS) has approved Sarah Schleper de Gaxiola (Vail, CO) to compete under the Mexican flag for the upcoming Audi FIS Alpine World Cup season. The four-time U.S. Olympian hopes to race at the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in her hometown of Vail-Beaver Creek.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Following a request from Mexico, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) has provided a letter of release to the International Ski Federation (FIS) to approve the release of alpine alum Sarah Schleper de Gaxiola (Vail, CO).
- The FIS approved the switch, allowing de Gaxiola to compete for Mexico during the upcoming Audi FIS Alpine World Cup season.
- The four-time Olympian retired from the U.S. Ski Team in December of 2011. She raced the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup from 1995-2011 and had four podium finishes, including one victory in 2005.
- In 2007, she married Mexico City native Federico de Gaxiola and therefore became eligible for a Mexican passport, which she achieved in May 2014.
- She has two children, a seven-year-old son named Lasse (after Norwegian great Lasse Kjus) and a one-year-old daughter named Resi after U.S. skier Resi Stiegler.
- Schleper de Gaxiola hopes to compete for Mexico at the FIS Alpine World Ski Champinships Feb. 2-13 in her hometown of Vail-Beaver Creek, CO.
QUOTES
Patrick Riml, U.S. Ski Team Alpine Director
Sarah is a highly respected competitor among all World Cup athletes and she was a leader within the U.S. Ski Team. We respect her decision to take on a new challenge and hope to see her racing again at the World Championship level this winter in Vail-Beaver Creek.