2022 Winter Olympics: Haiti and Saudi Arabia Debut

Haiti and Saudi Arabia go to Beijing

In February 2022, Haiti and Saudi Arabia are making their Winter Olympic debuts. Read on to learn more about their participating athletes.

Haiti

Haiti will be represented by 19-year-old Richardson Viano, an Alpine skier who trained under the tutelage of Jean-Pierre Roy. Roy began a ski program in his native Haiti after studying and working as an engineer in France, and recruited the young Viano to represent Haiti on the world stage. Viano will carry the Haitian flag during the opening ceremonies, and is accompanied by a substitute in case of illness or injury.

Saudi Arabia

Fayik Abdi, 24, represents Saudi Arabia in the Winter Olympics for the first time as an alpine skier. Abdi began skiing at the age of four in nearby Lebanon. He moved to Utah in 2016, where he has continued his rigorous skiing. Abdi will now represent Saudi Arabia, which has devoted substantial resources into developing skiing within the Kingdom.