Making a name for Ethiopia in the winter sports arena
・Mens Cross Country Skiing: Robel Teklemariam (Ethiopia)
Born in 1974 in Ethiopia. Age 35
Robel first made his debut as an athlete representing Ethiopia in the 2006 Torino Winter Olympic Games. He moved to the United States when he was 9 yrs old due to his mother job at the United Nations. While he had trouble adjusting to the city life, he fell in love with skiing at his school in Lake Placid when he was 12 and ever since, skiing has had a profound impact on his life. Robel met many people through skiing and he came to envision a dream. That dream was to represent his mother country at the Olympic Games. He later gained the support of his family and many supporters who came to share his dream and established the first Ethiopian National Skiing Federation. Robel became the chairman of this Federation and although he did get his ticket to the 2006 Torino Winter Olympic Games, his first attempt finished in 108th place. Still, Robel believes nothing is impossible. I continue telling myself to strive until my dreams come true. No matter how long it may take. His journey to his dream still continues. (less info)