Mexican cross-country skier Allan Corona carving unique path at 2026 Milano Cortina Games

In a discipline dominated by Nordic giants, Allan Corona is redefining what's possible in cross-country skiing. After learning the sport from scratch just six years ago, the man who will celebrate his 35th birthday next Monday is now one of five athletes representing Mexico at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

"I really never thought I would be at the Olympics," Corona admitted to CGTN's Dan Williams. "It was more of a result of trying to adapt to a new country, a new sport and a new culture. I want to show people that you can start from zero anywhere else."

Despite the distance of most top courses from home, the reception in Mexico has been "unbelievable," including a ceremony at the National Palace. "I never thought [meeting the President] was going to be through cross-country skiing," Corona said. "The support has definitely been fueling these last months."

For Corona, this year's Games are about more than a personal milestone, serving instead as a seed for the future. "Our goal is, in four and eight years, bringing a way bigger delegation," he noted. "I'm super grateful, it's a privilege to be here."