Sarah Schleper's participation in the women's giant slalom at the Winter Olympic Games ended unexpectedly. The Mexican skier was disqualified (DSQ) after the first run due to a technical infraction related to the height of her skis. Schleper, competing in her seventh Olympic Games, clocked a time of 1:08.95 on her initial run. Everything seemed to be going smoothly until, while giving interviews, she noticed the yellow warning next to her name on the giant screen. “Oh no, I’ve been disqualified!” exclaimed the 46-year-old athlete. Why was Sarah Schleper disqualified in the giant slalom? The penalty was due to the well-known 50-millimeter rule in the international alpine skiing regulations, which states that there cannot be more than 5 centimeters between the base of the skis and the sole of the boot. Exceeding that limit results in automatic disqualification.

“It was due to the height of the ski. I know they have the rules for our safety. I don't want to break the rules, obviously. I'm overwhelmed with so many things. Maybe I should have gone lower so I wouldn't go over the limit. It was a mistake on my part. I should have learned my lesson from the past. On top of that, my father owns a ski shop (in Vail, Colorado). He'll be very angry with me,” she explained.

The infraction prevented her from competing in the second run and brought her experience in the event to an early end.

A unique Olympic story: mother and son compete for Mexico

Beyond the result, Sarah Schleper stars in one of the most special stories of Milano Cortina 2026, sharing the Olympic experience with her 18-year-old son, Lasse Gaxiola, who also represents Mexico in alpine skiing.

“It's an incredible experience. I never imagined we would “It’s been so important to get so much attention at this event with our story. Before, many people thought I was crazy (for still skiing at my age). ‘Why do you keep going? What are you doing?’ they ask. But now that they see my story of sharing it with my son, I receive more respect.”Sarah shared with ESPN.

Lasse made his Olympic debut on Saturday in Bormio, while the women's event was held in another city, so mother and son couldn't be together in person.

“My heart was jumping. He skied really well, I'm so proud that he finished and I'm happy that he's now an Olympian and set a time,” she described excitedly.

“It's a shame that Lasse and I aren't together, but on the other hand, it's good for him so his mom isn't constantly telling him 'do your homework, do your training.' That way he can enjoy the experience in his own way, without his mom, like all the other athletes,” she continued.

Will Sarah Schleper be aiming for the Olympic record?

About to turn 47, the legendary skier isn't ruling out extending her career towards the 2027 World Championships and even considering an Olympic record.

“I've been thinking about it because there's a record. Eight “The number of Winter Olympic Games is the historical record; it would be wonderful to equal it. But at the same time, I think the most important thing is that younger Mexican skiers have the opportunity,” she concluded. After finishing her participation in Milano Cortina 2026 with two events, Schleper will travel to Bormio to accompany her son in his next competition. Although the disqualification in Giant Slalom marked the early end of her race, Sarah Schleper's story transcends results: a mother, a historic Olympian, and a leading figure in Mexican alpine skiing, her legacy continues to grow beyond a screen that displayed three yellow letters: DSQ.

After concluding her participation in Milano Cortina 2026 with two events, Schleper will travel to Bormio to accompany her son in his next competition.

Although the disqualification in Giant Slalom marked the early end of her race, Sarah Schleper's story transcends results: a mother, a historic Olympian, and a leading figure in Mexican alpine skiing, her legacy continues to grow beyond a screen that displayed three yellow letters: DSQ.