African Athletes At Sochi

 Despite the general lack of snow in Africa, athletes from 3 (possibly 4) African nations will compete in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi (7 - 23 February). It will be the first time both Togo and Zimbabwe are represented at a Winter Olympics. The athletes are largely self-financed and share a common dream that embodies the Olympic spirit. None are expected to medal. For most of them, just qualifying for the Olympics and getting to Sochi is reason enough to celebrate.

Generations of Zimbabweans have never even seen a dusting of snow fall on their beautiful land, but there is a Zimbabwe Snow Sports Association and they have their first winter Olympian to support - 20 year old Alpine skier, Luke Steyn. Steyn has had to hone his skills in the US, New Zealand and Chile. This past winter he drove all over Europe trying to compete to get enough points to qualify for Sochi. He'll be competing in the slalom and giant slalom events. Steyn is unlikely to medal, but I'm positive that sports mad Zimbabwe will be behind him all the way.