Haiti is showcasing its resilience at the Milan Cortina Winter Games with two athletes representing the country, bringing a symbol of hope amid ongoing turmoil. Competing under their national flag, the athletes will wear uniforms designed by Italian-Haitian designer Stella Jean, although a significant change was required after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) intervened.
Initially, the uniforms featured an image of Toussaint Louverture, a key figure in Haiti’s history and leader of the revolution that established the world’s first Black republic in 1804. The IOC ruled that this image violated its regulations against political symbolism, prompting Jean to creatively adapt the design. The updated uniforms now display a striking red horse against a tropical backdrop, with the word “Haiti” emblazoned against a blue sky.
This participation is particularly poignant for Haiti, a nation that has faced significant challenges, including the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. Since then, armed gangs have gained control of 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, leading to increased violence and instability. In light of these struggles, Haiti’s ambassador to Italy, Gandy Thomas, emphasized the importance of the nation’s presence at the Winter Olympics, stating, “Absence is the most dangerous form of erasing.”
A Unique Journey to the Winter Games
Haiti’s journey to the Winter Games can be traced back to the formation of its ski federation, established following the devastating earthquake in 2010. Currently, the federation supports seven athletes, two of whom will compete in Milan. Both will benefit from financial assistance through the IOC’s Olympic Solidarity program, which helps cover training, equipment, and travel expenses.
The first Haitian Winter Olympian, Richardson Viano, made his debut at the 2022 Beijing Games, finishing 34th in the men’s slalom. Adopted by an Italian family at the age of three, Viano initially skied for France before discovering the Haitian Ski Federation and obtaining a Haitian passport. He expressed the importance of competing for Haiti, stating, “When you talk about Haiti it is in catastrophic terms. … This is a way to find something nice.”
Alongside Viano is Stevenson Savart, Haiti’s first Olympic Nordic skier. Also adopted by a French family, Savart turned to his birth country after not qualifying for France. He noted the significance of wearing Haiti’s uniform, saying, “Having Haiti visible will give me even more energy,” despite acknowledging he expects to finish behind the frontrunners in the men’s 20-kilometer skiathlon.
Symbolism and Cultural Significance
Jean’s designs aim to reflect Haiti’s rich cultural history. The uniforms for female athletes include golden hoop earrings and a traditional tignon, a turban that symbolizes resistance against colonial oppression. She highlighted the importance of the uniform, stating, “We must concentrate all of history and a message in these few meters of cloth.”
Haiti’s participation at the Winter Games sends a powerful message to both the nation and the Haitian diaspora. Ambassador Thomas believes the stories of Viano and Savart resonate deeply, especially amid the ongoing hardships faced by their homeland.
Cathleen Jeanty, a Haitian-American from New Jersey, plans to watch the athletes compete despite her limited knowledge of winter sports. She articulated the significance of representation, noting, “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.”
As Haiti’s athletes gear up for the Winter Olympics, they embody a spirit of resilience that transcends their nation’s current struggles, showcasing the enduring legacy of their homeland on an international stage.
