Cross-country skier Martin Flores and his dream of the 2026 Olympics

Cross-country skier Martin Flores and his dream of the 2026 Olympics

Originally published in Sportschau on October 09, 2025

Chilean cross-country skier Martin Flores is pursuing his dream of competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. To prepare, he is training at around 3,000 meters of altitude in Portillo, Chile, taking advantage of the Southern Hemisphere’s conditions to build endurance and adapt to thin air.

In a two-minute feature from ARD’s Morgenmagazin carried by Sportschau (dated October 9, 2025), Flores explains his goal of qualifying for the Olympics and representing Chile on the world stage. The segment shows training scenes in the Portillo ski area and highlights the challenges and benefits of sustained high-altitude preparation for cross-country skiing. While specific race results or qualification events are not detailed, the piece centers on his pathway and dedication toward Olympic participation in 2026.