In a landmark moment for Caribbean winter sports, Franco-Haitian skier Richardson Viano secured 44th position in the men’s giant slalom at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The 23-year-old athlete, born in Croix-des-Missions, Tabarre, delivered a respectable performance on the challenging Stelvio slope in Bormio on February 14, 2026.
Viano completed his first run in 1:24.55, placing 47th among 81 competitors. He demonstrated significant improvement in his second attempt, clocking 1:18.28. His combined time of 2:42.83 ultimately earned him the 44th spot in the final standings—a notable achievement given the elite field of competitors.
The Olympic podium was dominated by established skiing nations, with Brazilian champion L. Pinheiro Braathen capturing gold in 1:11:08, while Swiss athletes M. Odermatt (1:10:71) and L. Meillard (1:10:68) claimed silver and bronze respectively.
Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé issued an official statement celebrating Viano’s accomplishment as a national triumph. The Prime Minister emphasized how Viano’s participation “honors the blue and red flag and brings glory to our nation far beyond its borders.” He particularly praised the athlete’s demonstration of “precision, control, speed, and composure” in one of alpine skiing’s most technically demanding disciplines.
The government statement framed Viano’s Olympic appearance as transcending athletic achievement, calling it “a powerful message of hope and resilience for all the Haitian people.” Officials drew parallels between the discipline required for elite sports and the qualities needed for national progress, highlighting how Viano’s journey “inspires our youth and reminds the world that Haitian talent knows no borders or limits.”
The Prime Minister extended official congratulations to Viano on behalf of both the government and the Haitian people, affirming that “the entire nation stands proud and united behind him.”