Jamaica has produced legendary Olympic sprinters like Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Veronica Campbell-Brown. While the nation dominates the Summer Games, it has not traditionally been a medal contender in the Winter Olympics. That could shift soon, as triplets Henniyah, Helaina, and Henri Rivers work toward representing Jamaica in alpine skiing at the 2026 Games in Milan-Cortina, Italy.
The 18-year-olds from Long Island, New York, began skiing as toddlers. Their parents, both ski instructors, introduced them to the sport early. Their mother, Karen Rivers, who is Jamaican-born, shared that the children were in the snow before they could walk. Their father added that she even raced while pregnant with them. Growing up training side by side, the siblings describe themselves as one another’s biggest motivation and closest supporters.
Representing Jamaica together would mark a milestone for the family and for the country. The Rivers would be the first triplets to compete in the same Winter Olympics. If they reach the podium, they would also become the first Jamaicans to medal in alpine skiing. Only one Jamaican, Benjamin Alexander, has competed in alpine skiing at the Olympics before them, making his debut at the 2022 Games.
Looking ahead, the triplets hope their journey encourages other Caribbean athletes to pursue winter sports. They believe Jamaica’s presence on snow and ice will continue to expand. As Henniyah expressed, she expects future generations of Jamaican Nordic and winter sport athletes to follow, building a broader legacy beyond the track.
