Milano Cortina, Italy – Regina Martinez Lorenzo made history on Thursday, becoming the first female cross-country skier to represent Mexico at the Winter Olympics. While the 33-year-old didn’t reach the podium in the women’s cross-country skiing event, her participation marks a significant milestone for Mexican winter sports and serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes.
Martinez Lorenzo finished with a time of 34:05.4, placing her last in the rankings. The race was won by Sweden’s Frida Karlsson with a time of 22:49.2, followed by compatriot Ebba Andersson (23:35.8) and American Jessie Diggins (23:38.9). Diggins, a long-time idol of Martinez Lorenzo, secured a bronze medal despite battling bruised ribs.
The Miami resident’s journey to the Olympics is particularly remarkable. Martinez Lorenzo initially took up cross-country skiing as a way to cope with the harsh winters she experienced while studying medicine in Minnesota. What began as a personal challenge evolved into a dedicated pursuit of Olympic qualification.
“That’s one of the things that I think has helped me succeed and grow, is focusing on getting 1% better every day,” Martinez Lorenzo said, according to a previous interview with NBC6. This commitment to incremental improvement fueled her training and ultimately led to her historic qualification.
Her path wasn’t without obstacles. Martinez Lorenzo faced the challenge of training in a climate largely unsuited for cross-country skiing after relocating to Miami for her medical residency, a distance of 2,800 kilometers from snowy conditions. She adapted by utilizing roller skis on pavement to maintain her technique, and endurance.
“I had to choose between being an Olympian or an emergency room doctor,” Martinez Lorenzo explained. She ultimately found a way to pursue both passions, demonstrating a remarkable dedication to her dual career path.
Martinez Lorenzo’s story began with a dream nurtured from childhood. “You know, for me, one was medicine and the other was, like always. As a little girl, I wanted to be an Olympian because that’s the biggest thing you can do in sports,” she stated.
Her initial foray into the sport involved reaching out to Germán Madrazo, a cross-country skier who competed for Mexico at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympics, via Instagram. Madrazo traveled to Minnesota to coach her, providing crucial guidance and support in her early training.
She further honed her skills by competing at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim, Norway, in February 2025, earning the necessary points to secure her Olympic berth. The event served as a pivotal moment in her career, solidifying her place in Mexican Olympic history.
The reception Martinez Lorenzo received after her Olympic race was a testament to her impact. Despite finishing last, she was warmly embraced by the medalists, who waited for her to join them in a display of sportsmanship. This gesture, reported by MSN, highlighted the camaraderie and respect among the athletes.
“The gesture was incredibly moving,” one observer noted. “It showed that the Olympics are about more than just winning; they’re about celebrating participation and supporting each other.”
Martinez Lorenzo’s achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a significant step forward for Mexico in winter sports. Her participation is expected to inspire a new generation of Mexican athletes to pursue their dreams, regardless of the challenges they may face.
Her story resonates beyond the realm of sports, demonstrating the power of perseverance, dedication, and the pursuit of one’s passions. From medical school in a frigid Minnesota winter to the Olympic stage in Italy, Regina Martinez Lorenzo has proven that anything is possible with hard work and unwavering belief.
The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Games continue to unfold, with live coverage available on NBC and Peacock. Martinez Lorenzo’s debut serves as a reminder of the diverse stories and inspiring journeys that define the Olympic spirit.
