As the sole Malaysian representative at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games, alpine skier Aruwin Salehhuddin aims to demonstrate four years of growth and highlight her nation’s potential in non-traditional sports.
The 21-year-old trailblazer will compete in giant slalom on February 15 and slalom on February 18.
The competition venue in Cortina, which hosted alpine events back in 1956, holds special appeal for the athlete.
“I am super excited to race on the Olympic slope in Cortina, because I have never skied on it before and it is considered a historical slope,” she shared in a recent interview with Bernama.
Stretching 2,560 metres with a 750-metre vertical drop, the course is recognised globally as an iconic and legendary run.
Mind over mountain
Rather than chasing podium placements, Aruwin is defining success by personal advancement.
“Instead, I am looking to see how far I have improved over the past four years since my Winter Olympics debut – how I handle things mentally, and how well I am able to ski,” she stated.
Her preparation includes a deliberate plan to depart the Olympic Village after the opening ceremony in Milan, relocating to Austria to focus on training away from the event’s intense atmosphere.
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An athlete’s unwavering drive
Despite facing hurdles, including a knee injury during a China competition last November and financial strain, Aruwin is determined to move forward unburdened.
“These are all factors that I’m leaving behind when I push out at the start gate in Cortina. No matter how tough it has been, I’m there, and that’s all that matters at that moment,” she emphasised.
Aruwin’s first taste of Olympic competition came at Beijing 2022, where she made history as Malaysia’s first female Winter Olympian.
In the women’s giant slalom, she crossed the finish line in 38th place – a solid showing against seasoned competitors from nations with deep winter sports roots.
Masterclass in resilience
Though she did not complete the slalom event that year, the experience was a masterclass in resilience and preparation.
Aruwin said that earning her spot again means far more than it did in 2022.
She noted that her journey towards Cortina has been shaped by growth, hard choices, and knowing exactly what lies ahead.
In a country where snow is little more than a distant dream, Aruwin is turning icy mountains into a platform for national pride, showing that Malaysia’s sporting story stretches far beyond its sunny shores.
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