Two Saudi skiers make history by qualifying for Winter Olympics

Saudi skiers, Salman Al-Howaish and Fayik Abdi have qualified to compete in Alpine skiing races at the Beijing Games, according to Saudi Press Agency.

The giant slalom has attracted competitors from countries with no medal-winning record in the sport — such as violinist Vanessa Mae who competed for Thailand at the 2014 Winter Olympics.

A Historical Moment 😍

Saudi ‘Alpine Skiing’ athletes, Salman Al Howaish and Fayik Abdi are officially eligible to compete at the Winter Olympic Games #Beijing2022⛷️🇨🇳 and ready to mark the first participation ever for Saudi Arabia and GCC countries 😍

❄️🇸🇦🙌 pic.twitter.com/H6JnnjES5g

— Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee (@saudiolympic) January 16, 2022

Al-Howaish qualified for the slalom and Abdi for the giant slalom, according to the international skiing federation (FIS) website.

Final places are yet to be assigned by the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, but Saudi Arabia, where temperatures can hit 52 degrees Celsius, has overcome the first hurdle in its quest to participated in its first Winter Olympics.

Other nations currently on the list to compete against Alpine skiers from countries such as Austria and Norway in Beijing include India, Brazil, Ghana, Haiti and the Philippines.

The Games run from Feb. 4-20.