Haiti is proudly represented at the Milan Cortina Winter Games, fielding two athletes who embody the nation’s resilience despite ongoing political turmoil. The athletes, Richardson Viano and Stevenson Savart, will showcase their skills wearing uniforms designed by Italian-Haitian designer Stella Jean, although their original design faced modifications due to International Olympic Committee (IOC) regulations.
Initially, Jean’s uniform featured an image of Toussaint Louverture, a historical figure pivotal in Haiti’s fight for independence and the establishment of the world’s first Black republic in 1804. The IOC deemed this image a breach of its rules prohibiting political symbolism, prompting Jean to creatively adapt the design. The result is a striking uniform showcasing a red horse, inspired by a painting by Haitian artist Edouard Duval-Carrié, with “Haiti” emblazoned against a vibrant sky.
Haiti’s participation in the Winter Olympics carries profound significance. Ambassador to Italy Gandy Thomas articulated the sentiment, stating, “Haiti’s presence at the Winter Olympics is a symbol, is a statement, not a coincidence. We may not be a winter country, but we are a nation that refuses to be confined by expectation.” This assertion resonates particularly in light of the nation’s struggles, including the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 and the alarming rise of gang violence in the capital, Port-au-Prince, where armed groups control approximately 90% of the area.
Both Viano and Savart are supported through the IOC’s Olympic Solidarity program, which assists athletes with training, equipment, and travel expenses. Viano, now 23, made history as Haiti’s first Winter Olympian at the 2022 Beijing Games, finishing 34th in men’s slalom. Adopted by an Italian family at the age of three, he said, “When you talk about Haiti it is in catastrophic terms. This is a way to find something nice.”
Savart, 25, is competing as Haiti’s inaugural Olympic Nordic skier. Having been adopted by a French family at the age of three, he turned to represent Haiti after failing to qualify for France. He expressed pride in representing his homeland: “I am very proud that I can do that for Haiti.”
Symbolism Through Uniforms
Jean’s designs extend beyond mere aesthetics; they encapsulate history and heritage. The uniforms for the female athletes include elements such as golden hoop earrings and a Haitian tignon, a traditional headscarf historically forced upon women by colonial powers. Jean emphasized the importance of conveying a message through their attire, stating, “We must concentrate all of history and a message in these few meters of cloth.”
The IOC, which has strict regulations regarding political expression, did not provide commentary on the specific ruling against Louverture’s image. The Olympic Charter mandates that national Olympic committees maintain neutrality concerning political matters, prohibiting demonstrations of political, religious, or racial propaganda at Olympic venues.
Despite these restrictions, the athletes’ participation is a testament to Haiti’s enduring spirit. Ambassador Thomas noted that the stories of Viano and Savart are likely to resonate with both the people of Haiti and the global Haitian diaspora, particularly during challenging times.
A Global Connection
The presence of Haitian athletes at the Winter Olympics serves as a beacon of hope and perseverance. Cathleen Jeanty, a Haitian-American from New Jersey, expressed her excitement to watch the competition, despite her limited knowledge of winter sports. “People who maybe don’t come from underrepresented communities don’t realize how important the cultural capital is to be able to stand elbow to elbow with your peers,” she remarked.
As Viano and Savart prepare to compete, their journey from Haiti to the international winter sports arena highlights not only their personal aspirations but also a collective narrative of resilience and optimism. The athletes aim to redefine the perception of Haiti, showcasing a spirit that transcends geographical and political boundaries.
