Haitian skier astonished by 100,000 spectators at the World Championship: "I want to show that dark-skinned people can ski"

Haitian skier astonished by 100,000 spectators at the World Championship: "I want to show that dark-skinned people can ski"

Stevenson Savart was one of the 75 contestants in the prestigious men's 50-kilometer race at the world championships. He admired the magical Norwegian audience and shared his ambitious goals for his skiing career.

The 24-year-old Savart made history by becoming the first Haitian to ski in the Nordic championships two years prior in Planica. Despite not finishing the race, he was captivated by the overwhelming support of the audience. Rich visuals on TV showcased vast crowds cheering for the skiers, indicating the presence of tens of thousands of fans. However, officials announced that there were actually 100,000 spectators at the event in Trondheim.

"This is the best audience you can find. This is truly magical," Savart exclaimed to Yle Sports.

Savart was born in Haiti but was adopted and raised in France, where he began skiing at the age of three. He aims to qualify for the Olympics and proudly represent Haiti, seeking to prove that athletes of various backgrounds can excel in skiing and other sports beyond basketball and running.

During the men's 50-kilometer race, Yle Sports' reporter Riku Salminen met with fans supporting Jan Thomas Jenssen, who placed fourth but did not qualify for the Norwegian team. They celebrated in high spirits, with grilled lamb being one highlight of their gathering.

In other news regarding the event, a total of 75 competitors from around the world started the prestigious race, recognizing the significance of this historic moment for both the athletes and the audience.