Regina Martínez Makes History as Mexico’s First Olympic Cross-Country Skier
Regina Martínez will become the first Mexican woman to compete in Olympic cross-country skiing at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina. Her participation is a milestone for Mexican sports, as winter disciplines remain rare in the country. The 10-kilometre race will mark her historic debut on the Olympic stage.
Martínez has only five years of experience in winter sports. Despite this, she has already set her sights on competing beyond 2026, with plans to race in the 2030 Olympics in France. Her personal best for the 10-kilometre event stands at 30 minutes, though her slowest competitive time reaches 37 minutes.
She openly admits that her presence in cross-country skiing is unusual for an athlete from a nation without a strong winter sports tradition. Norwegian competitors, who often finish races in under 24 minutes, dominate the field. Yet her focus remains on representing Mexico and proving that perseverance can turn dreams into reality. To pursue her Olympic ambitions, Martínez stepped away from her career as a physician. She now trains full-time, though no public details about her coaching team have been shared. Her goal extends beyond medals—she wants to inspire others by showing what dedication can achieve.
Martínez’s journey to the 2026 Winter Olympics highlights the growing diversity in winter sports. As Mexico’s first female Olympic cross-country skier, she brings attention to athletes from non-traditional winter nations. Her performance in Milan-Cortina will set a benchmark for future competitors from similar backgrounds.
