Matthew Smith: From Tech Entrepreneur to Olympic Cross-Country Skier

Matthew Smith is not your typical Olympic athlete; he's a pioneer, a trailblazer at the age of 35, competing in the 10 km freestyle event at the Milan-Cortina Games in Tesero, Italy. Born in Johannesburg in 1990, Smith relocated to the UK at eight. His journey to the Olympics is a remarkable testament to personal challenge and inspiration, embodying the belief that 'you cannot be what you cannot see.' For most of his life, Smith was unfamiliar with cross-country skiing, having only explored it for a mere five times prior to 2023. He set a personal goal to strengthen himself enough to qualify for the World Championships and ultimately earn a spot on the Olympic team as South Africa's sole representative. His commitment to representing his country in a sport few in South Africa even know exists was fueled not just by ambition but by a desire to inspire others. After years spent in Norway running a tech company, completing an Ironman triathlon, and traveling the world, Smith found himself back in South Africa, feeling like he was living the life of a retiree. An epiphany struck as he assessed his options during the long Norwegian winter: he could either hibernate or adapt. Inspired by local athletes, he took up cross-country skiing, and the rest is history. In early 2023, he learned about the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Excited yet unversed in the sport, he quickly sought out a coach and training partner. Mexican skier Allan Corona, a former triathlete, became his mentor, teaching him the I'dentities of skiing, from technique to the vital process of waxing skis. As a newcomer, the challenges were daunting, from earning points in races to navigating the complexities of national sports bureaucracies, yet Smith remained undeterred. His passion propelled him onto the competitive scene, where he stood shoulder to shoulder with elite athletes despite the initial hurdles. To highlight his journey, he turned to social media, where he now boasts around 40,000 followers. His authenticity and earnestness resonated within the cross-country skiing community, leading to collaborative projects, including a podcast that featured established athletes. However, his participation in the Olympics has not been without controversy. Critics have labeled Smith an 'Olympic tourist,' suggesting his place at the Games is an affront to deserving athletes from countries like Norway, where competition runs deep. In an episode of the podcast 'Skirious Problems,' hosts James Clugnet and Mika Vermeulen raised concerns over the accessibility of cross-country skiing compared to other winter sports. They argued that places reserved for nations like South Africa could be better utilized by highly skilled athletes from more established skiing countries. Smith, who finished the Olympic race in 108th place, remains steadfast in defending his right to participate. He asserts, 'We are top-level athletes, just a bit less strong and with fewer years on skis.' With a VO2 max over 70, extensive training hours, and marathon times that showcase his grit, Smith aims to challenge preconceptions about who deserves an Olympic berth. In the high-paced world of Olympic sports, the complexities of merit and representation come to the forefront. Athletes from over 60 nations participated in the Olympic 10 km event, with Smith embracing this diversity while apologizing for the disparities in talent. As he reflects on his journey, Smith is not solely focused on competition. He cherishes his family life with his Norwegian partner and their nine-month-old son, a key investment of time and energy he deems invaluable. Looking ahead, he is eager to return to long-distance skiing events and promote ski rolling in South Africa, shining a spotlight on a sport that can be embraced by many. For future Olympic aspirations, Smith has set his sights on biathlon for 2030, demonstrating his steadfast determination and willingness to adapt. As he continues to break barriers and inspire others, Matthew Smith serves as a reminder that the spirit of the Olympics transcends mere medals—it's about resilience, representation, and the human spirit. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2