Sarah Schleper is an alpine ski racer whose career spans six Winter Olympic Games and includes representing both the United States and Mexico. Born on February 19, 1979, in Colorado, Sarah’s love for skiing began early, growing up in Vail. Sarah was immersed in the world of skiing, raised by a father that owned a ski shop. Sarah’s childhood was spent racing her brothers down the slopes, learning the art of skiing and racing technique, navigating challenging terrains and the wild woods of Vail, this unique upbringing laid the foundation for her remarkable career in ski racing.

Sarah’s journey to the Olympics started with the U.S. Ski Team, where she competed in her first Winter Olympics in Nagano Japan in 1998. She continued to represent the U.S. at Salt Lake City 2002, Torino Italy 2010, and Vancouver Canada 2010, earning respect for her grit, skill, and speed.

In 2008, Sarah’s life took an incredible turn when she married Mexican born Federico Gaxiola. In 2014, Sarah became a naturalized Mexican citizen, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her skiing career. From then on, she represented Mexico in the Winter Olympics, competing in PyeongChang Korea 2018 and Beijing China in 2022. Throughout her career, she has accumulated 98 FIS wins and competed in 11 World Championship events, solidifying her as one of the sport’s most consistent and experienced athletes.

Competing as a mother, Sarah showed the world the power of determination, balancing her role as a coach, and an athlete with that of a mother to two children. Her journey as a mother and athlete proved to be an inspiration to many, showing that it was possible to chase dreams while nurturing a family. Her experiences gave her the strength to break barriers in the sport and showed the world that women can continue to compete at the highest level while raising children.

In Beijing 2022, Sarah’s Olympic career came full circle when she had the honor of carrying the Mexican flag into the opening ceremonies alongside her teammate, figure skater Donovan Carillo, symbolizing her dedication and connection to both Mexico and her sporting heritage.
But Sarah’s story is far from over. Now, she is setting her sights on a seventh Olympic appearance. She is currently working toward qualifying for the Downhill competition, a discipline she has never previously competed in at the Olympics. This goal is another testament to her incredible drive and determination to continue pushing boundaries in her sport, proving that age is just a number and that the spirit of competition knows no limits.

Adding to the family’s Olympic aspirations, Sarah’s son Lasse Gaxiola is also working toward his own Olympic dream, aiming to qualify for his first Games also under the Mexican Flag. It is a remarkable family journey, with both mother and son chasing the same lofty Olympic goals and carrying the Mexican flag forward in the world of ski racing.

Beyond her individual accomplishments, Sarah has had a profound impact on the skiing community, earning friendships with fans, athletes, and coaches worldwide. Through mentoring and coaching, she has helped many athletes find their path in ski racing, inspiring a new generation to chase their dreams. From her roots in Vail to the Winter Olympics, Sarah’s legacy is one of grit, passion, and dedication, as she continues to inspire others as a competitor, mother, and ambassador for the sport both on and off the slopes.