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10 Things To Know About Zimbabwe Olympic Skier Luke Steyn

10 Things To Know About Zimbabwe Olympic Skier Luke Steyn

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Luke who? He is Luke Steyn, Zimbabwe’s first-ever Winter Olympian, representing the sub-Saharan country in the Sochi Games in the grand slalom and slalom alpine ski events. So who is this history-making athlete? He’s from a country that has only recorded snow once, back in 1960 during a freak storm. Here are 10 things to know about Zimbabwe Olympic skier Luke Steyn.

www.zimeye.org
www.zimeye.org

1. He was born in Harare

Steyn was born in Harare June 7, 1993, but moved to Switzerland at age 2 when his father was offered a job there.

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www.thinkstock.com

2. He started racing at 9

Growing up in Switzerland and France, Steyn learned to ski on family vacations, then started racing at the age of 9.

www.colorado.edu
www.colorado.edu

3. He attended college in Colorado

In 2012, Steyn enrolled at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he joined the school’s ski-racing team. He took 2013 off, however, to compete in enough Olympic qualifying events across the globe to earn the required points to get to Sochi, according to the Zimbabwe Herald.

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www.thinkstock.com

4. He feels connected to Zimbabwe

Despite having left Zimbabwe when he was young, Steyn told the New York Times, “Though I have moved from Zimbabwe, I still feel very much connected … As they say, it’s in your blood, and I hope to live and work in Africa again one day.”

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www.thinkstock.com

5. Watch him in giant slalom and slalom

Steyn qualified to compete in two alpine skiing events: giant slalom and slalom. He is scheduled to compete for Zimbabwe Feb. 19 and Feb. 22.

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www.saladdaysmag.tumblr.com

6. Finnish clothing company Makia sponsored his non-racing wardrobe

When he isn’t competing, Stern and his three-person support team, along with Zimbabwe Olympic Committee President Admire Masenda (who is attending the games as the participating country’s dignitary), will be dressed in clothing by Finnish fashion label Makia Clothing, the company announced on its website. This includes the opening ceremony garb.

www.herald.co.zw
www.herald.co.zw

7. Zimbabwe backed the skier financially

Zimbabwe provided financial sponsorship for Steyn in his quest to earn enough points to qualify for the Olympics. Zimbabwe Olympic Committee CEO Anna Mguini told South Africa’s Eyewitness News there was no pressure for Steyn to earn a medal. “It has always been one of our dreams to participate in every single program that the Olympic committee has,” she said.

www.marmai.fi
www.marmai.fi

8. Loves his fans

Steyn is enjoying a growing fan base with the help of financial backing by Zimbabwe’s government. “It’s been phenomenal,” Steyn told the BBC Africa’s Peter Okwoche. “I have people adding me on Facebook daily. The Zim Oly Committee have been great in helping me get there, not just financially but also the moral support and helping me build a team.”

www.sportsweekly.co.za
www.sportsweekly.co.za

9. Nickname? He prefers ‘Luke’

When asked if he had a nickname, Steyn told the BBC a Russian presenter had called him the “Snow Lion.” But he said if it was up to him, he’d prefer to just be called Luke.

www.thinkstock.com
www.thinkstock.com

10. Not the only African nation to compete

Zimbabwe is not the only African nation with an athlete competing in the winter games. Togo and Morocco’s flags also flew in the opening ceremony.