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While Johannesburg is more famous for its afternoon thunderstorms than its snow-covered slopes, the city has a major reason to tune into the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics this week.
Malica Malherbe, the 21-year-old freestyle skier with deep roots in Joburg, has officially completed her debut Olympic Moguls run, marking a historic moment for South African winter sports.
A lasting impression
After an exciting opening round on Tuesday, where she placed 25th, Malica headed back to the slopes yesterday (Wednesday, 11 February) for the second qualification. Proving she has the tenacity of a true South African athlete, she significantly improved her performance, jumping from 55.85 to a solid 58.86.
While her 17th-place finish in that round wasn't quite enough to break into the top-10 "Final 20," Malica leaves the Moguls event ranked 27th overall in the world, a massive feat for a first-time Olympian.
A Joburg connection on ice
Though Malherbe grew up in the mountains of Canada, her heart and a large part of her family are right here in South Africa. Her parents, doctors Gerhard Malherbe and Carien Strydom, hail from the Southern Cape, but Malica is a frequent visitor to Johannesburg to spend time with relatives.
Now, she’s representing the green and gold on the world’s biggest winter stage, proving that you don't need a Joburg winter to have the spirit of a South African champion.
Breaking records for Team SA
Malherbe isn't just skiing for herself; she's part of a historic delegation. This year, South Africa has sent five athletes to the Winter Games, our largest squad ever, beating the previous record of four set way back in 1960.
The 2026 Team SA squad:
- Malica Malherbe (21): Freestyle Skiing (Moguls)
- Thomas Weir (17): Alpine Skiing
- Lara Markthaler (18): Alpine Skiing
- Nicole Burger (31): Skeleton (Flagbearer)
- Matthew Smith (35): Cross-Country Skiing (Flagbearer)
What’s next for Malica?
Malica isn’t hanging up her skis just yet. This Saturday, 14 February, she returns for the Women’s Dual Moguls, a high-octane, head-to-head event that is as much about nerves as it is about speed.
As a South African, I’ll be keeping a close eye on the rest of the team as they fly the flag in Italy. Whether they’re from the Highveld or British Columbia, we’re claiming them as our own.
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