16 year-old Issa Gachingiri Laborde
Located amidst the captivating landscapes of the Alpe d’Huez region in France, a captivating tale unfolds—a story filled with fervor, grit, and a unique blend of cultural inspiration.
Allow us to introduce you to Issa Gachingiri Laborde, an extraordinary 16-year-old Kenyan prodigy who’s breaking geographical boundaries to chase his dream of conquering the world of alpine skiing. Born to a French father and a Kenyan mother, Issa’s distinct heritage has not only shaped his identity but has also ignited an unwavering commitment to raise Kenya’s flag high on the global winter sports stage.
Issa’s passionate affair with skiing commenced at the tender age of two, a spark ignited by his father’s love for the sport. “It all began when I was just a 2-year-old, a little adventurer in the mountains with my father. By the age of 5, I was utterly captivated by skiing. Now, at 16, I’m honing my skills with unwavering dedication, with my sights set on a coveted spot in the Winter Olympics,” Issa passionately declared. “The journey may be strenuous, but I’m unwavering in my resolve to turn this dream into reality.” Despite his upbringing in France, Issa’s heart has always been tethered to Kenya, his homeland. He expressed, “The allure of the mountains and the exhilaration that skiing brings have enchanted me. The joy and excitement of the sport have captured my heart, and I firmly believe that with persistent dedication, boundless opportunities will unfold.”
The path to realizing Issa’s dream is strewn with challenges. Alpine skiing, with its demands for relentless training and substantial financial investment, poses formidable obstacles. “My weekly three-day training schedule at the skiing club, though committed, falls short. However, I hold hope that, starting next year, enrolling in a skiing school will allow me to train daily, not only enriching my personal journey but also the prospects for my beloved Kenya,” Issa explained.
For Josephine Nyokabi Laborde, Issa’s mother, supporting her son’s passion has been a journey marked by sacrifice and unwavering devotion. “Pursuing this sport exacts a toll on time, it’s financially demanding, and balancing athletic pursuits with academics has been draining,” she acknowledged. “Yet, Issa has wholeheartedly dedicated himself to the sport.” Despite the challenges, Josephine’s optimism remains unshaken, revealing their proactive approach of reaching out to the National Olympics Committee of Kenya for potential financial assistance.
Woven into Issa’s extraordinary journey is the fabric of his family’s heritage. His father, once a ski rescue patroller in the French mountains, instilled a profound love for skiing in Issa. Josephine, hailing from Githurai, a modest enclave in Nairobi, Kenya, underscores the extraordinary path her son has chosen. “Issa consciously chose Kenya over France, the land he has known. A young Kenyan envisioning boundless horizons, I’m confident that his moment to shine and proudly display Kenya’s colors is imminent.”
In a climate not naturally suited for snow skiing, Issa’s indomitable spirit, alongside that of his fellow athletes, fuels their shared dream. Sabrina Simader, a distinguished Alpine skier representing Kenya on the global stage, holds a special place in Issa’s journey. “Sabrina is more than a peer; she’s a role model, a guiding star on my path,” Issa proudly remarked.
Navigating the path to the Winter Olympics brings financial burdens and limited training opportunities. The Laborde family’s determination was tested, but the possibility of support from the National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOCK-KE) has breathed new life into their aspirations. “Sponsorships have eluded us thus far,” Josephine shared. “Our engagement with NOCK-KE began in 2022, and the ongoing discussions hold promise, shedding light on a potential financial lifeline. Optimism courses through me.”
As Issa’s ambitions reach new heights, he extends a heartfelt plea for collaborations with kindred spirits who share his fervor for the sport. “I’ve set my aspirations sky-high, and I’m resolved to persevere until I achieve them. Armed with potential partnerships and bolstered by NOCK-KE, the Kenyan government, and willing stakeholders, I fervently anticipate turning this Kenyan dream into a tangible reality,” Issa declared. His story serves as a radiant beacon for young Africans, a testament that unwavering commitment and unrelenting hard work can unlock boundless accomplishments. The narrative of Issa Gachingiri Laborde transcends borders, blends cultures, and conquers adversity—a testament that audacious dreams, fueled by unwavering determination, are destined to come true.
