Haiti has sent two athletes to the Milan Cortina Winter Games, showcasing resilience and national pride amid ongoing struggles at home. Despite facing challenges, these athletes will represent their country with uniforms designed by Italian-Haitian designer Stella Jean, who originally included an image of Toussaint Louverture, the revolutionary leader. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) intervened, ruling that the image violated Olympic rules prohibiting political symbolism, leading to a creative adaptation of the designs.
The decision to alter the uniforms reflects both the IOC’s commitment to neutrality and the rich history of Haiti. Jean’s designs now feature a striking image of a horse, inspired by a painting by Haitian artist Edouard Duval-Carrié, with “Haiti” emblazoned against a vibrant sky. Jean emphasized the significance of this symbol, stating, “For us, it is important that this horse, his horse… remains. For us, it remains the symbol of Haiti’s presence at the Olympics.”
The backdrop of this achievement is stark. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, Haiti has seen a surge in gang violence, with armed groups controlling approximately 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. This situation has led to increased crime rates and a humanitarian crisis. Gandy Thomas, Haiti’s ambassador to Italy, remarked, “Haiti’s presence at the Winter Olympics is a symbol, is a statement… Absence is the most dangerous form of erasing.”
Despite these hardships, the athletes’ journey to the Winter Games signifies hope. The Haitian ski federation was established in response to the devastating earthquake in 2010, and it now supports seven athletes. Among them are Richardson Viano, who was Haiti’s first Winter Olympian at the 2022 Beijing Games, and Stevenson Savart, who is competing as the nation’s first Olympic Nordic skier. Both athletes receive financial backing through the IOC’s Olympic Solidarity program, facilitating their training and participation in qualification events.
Viano, who finished 34th in the men’s slalom in Beijing, reflected on the importance of his participation. “When you talk about Haiti it is in catastrophic terms… This is a way to find something nice,” he stated while training in Bosnia. Savart, aged 25, expressed pride in representing Haiti, acknowledging the challenges he might face in the men’s 20-kilometer skiathlon. “Having Haiti visible will give me even more energy,” he noted.
Ambassador Thomas believes that the stories of Viano and Savart will resonate deeply within Haiti and among the diaspora, offering a narrative of perseverance. Cathleen Jeanty, a Haitian-American from New Jersey, plans to watch the athletes compete, recognizing the cultural significance of their representation. “People who maybe don’t come from underrepresented communities don’t realize how important the cultural capital is to be able to stand elbow to elbow with your peers,” she explained.
As the Winter Games unfold, the presence of these athletes serves as a powerful reminder of Haiti’s spirit and determination, defying the expectations often placed upon them. Their participation is not just about competition; it encapsulates a broader message of resilience and hope for a nation seeking to emerge from the shadows of adversity.
