Haiti’s Ralf Etienne makes historic Winter Paralympic debut in Milan
Earthquake survivor Ralf Etienne has become Haiti’s first-ever Winter Paralympian after making his historic skiing debut at the Milan-Cortina Games on Friday.
Sixteen years ago, he lost his left leg when a catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastated the Caribbean nation.
The natural disaster claimed over 200,000 lives and left the then-20-year-old trapped upside down in building rubble for eight agonizing hours.
“I decided that if I survived this tragedy, I would live a life to serve people.”
From tragic rubble to Paralympic snow
The former media entrepreneur was eventually rescued and pushed in a wheelbarrow for an entire day to reach a functioning hospital.
It took another week before a doctor could examine the severely injured man and officially amputate his trapped limb.
Following a move to the United States for prosthetic treatment, the resilient survivor dedicated his subsequent years to extensive humanitarian work.
Despite building a successful career as an investment banker, the 36-year-old harboured a deep desire to showcase a positive side of his homeland.
A rapid rise to the global stage
He discovered alpine skiing only two years ago during a trip with friends and instantly realised its potential to inspire others globally.
“I touched the snow, and I never turned back.”
Driven by his new sporting ambition, the financial executive relocated from New York to London to facilitate rigorous weekend training across the European mountains.
Balancing a demanding corporate career with elite athletic preparation often meant leaving the office at 2am to catch early-morning flights to Switzerland.
“At first skiing meant freedom to me, and then I realised it was inspiration. That is what the Paralympics are about.”
Inspiring a new generation of athletes
Armed with a mobility grant from the International Paralympic Committee, the pioneering skier took to the Italian slopes with just 80 days of total on-snow experience.
His participation marks a monumental sporting milestone, ensuring the Haitian flag flies proudly at a Winter Games for the very first time.
The inspirational debutant joins competitors from El Salvador, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Portugal in bringing new national representation to the prestigious winter event.
