Faris Al-Obaid is an extreme sports enthusiast whose life has been shaped by a passion for pushing boundaries. With 17 years of experience, he has mastered various adrenaline-pumping activities, from skydiving to speed riding. However, skiing holds a special place in his heart. Growing up in Paris, Al-Obaid spent his summers on the Swiss glaciers, cultivating a deep love for the sport. At 16, this passion transformed into a dream of competing at the highest level and representing Kuwait on the global stage, including the Winter Olympics.

His skiing journey began at the age of nine during a summer trip to Villars, Switzerland, where he attended the Pre Fleuri camp. Despite initial awkwardness and falls, he quickly became hooked on the thrill of gliding down the slopes.

One of Al-Obaid’s proudest achievements came in 2023 when the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) officially recognized Kuwaiti skiing, thanks to his persistent advocacy. This milestone allowed him to compete internationally as Kuwait’s representative. In 2024, he represented Kuwait at the FIS Congress in Zurich, where he discussed the future of skiing with global experts. Meeting privately with FIS President Johan Eliasch was a highlight, as it marked a significant step forward for winter sports in Kuwait.

Growing up in a snowless country like Kuwait posed unique challenges to his training. Al-Obaid noted that traveling internationally and finding high-quality coaching were constant hurdles. Despite these obstacles, he tirelessly worked to build a foundation for skiing in Kuwait, successfully advocating for the creation of an official ski team. In 2023, the team was formally registered under the FIS, enabling him to compete professionally.

“Despite this progress, securing sponsorships and consistent funding, particularly from the government, remains my biggest challenge,” Al-Obaid said. “Raising awareness about the potential of winter sports in a desert nation requires a shift in perspective. I’m working to demonstrate the value of investing in athletes like myself — not just for individual achievement but to inspire a new generation and diversify Kuwait’s sporting landscape.”

What ignited his dream of reaching the Winter Olympics was a combination of fascination and joy. “Even before I fully understood competitive skiing, I was drawn to the sheer freedom it embodies,” he explained. “Of all the extreme sports I’m licensed in, skiing is by far my favorite. There’s something magical about the rhythm of the turns, the feeling of carving through the snow, and the breathtaking mountain landscapes.”

As a Kuwaiti fluent in French and competing alongside European athletes, Al-Obaid is determined to raise the Kuwaiti flag on the world stage. He aims to prove that Kuwait can excel in unexpected arenas and inspire others back home. For him, competing in the Olympics would be the ultimate honor and a chance to showcase his country’s potential.

Training for a winter sport in Kuwait’s desert climate has forced Al-Obaid to adopt a creative regimen. His training is divided into two phases: Dryland training in Kuwait and on-snow training abroad. In Kuwait, he focuses on strength and conditioning, targeting muscles used in skiing, and incorporates plyometric and balance exercises to improve agility and stability. Abroad, primarily in Europe or North America, he hones his skiing technique through intensive training camps, working with coaches to maximize his limited time on real snow.

“It’s a demanding and often unconventional approach, but I’ve learned to make the most of every opportunity,” he said. “I see the challenges of training in Kuwait not as a disadvantage but as a motivator.”

Al-Obaid is passionate about breaking stereotypes and inspiring young Kuwaitis to pursue their dreams, no matter how unconventional. At international competitions, he is often met with surprise when others learn he is from Kuwait. He uses these moments to educate people about his country’s ambitions in winter sports, proving that geography and traditional expectations do not define one’s potential.

Al-Obaid’s journey to the Winter Olympics is a series of milestones. “I’m proud to have made significant progress, including participating in the Asian Winter Games, marking Kuwait’s first representation at this level, and being selected for the Saalbach World Championships. These events are key to gaining experience, improving FIS points, and meeting Olympic qualifying standards,” he explained.

He concluded with an inspiring message: “Pursuing any dream, especially one that seems unconventional or challenging, requires unwavering belief in yourself, relentless hard work, and the courage to overcome obstacles. My journey as a skier from Kuwait has been filled with hurdles, but I’ve learned that limitations are often self-imposed. Everyone has the potential to achieve greatness. Don’t let anyone tell you your dreams are too ambitious or unrealistic. I hope my story — and the stories of other athletes who have defied expectations — will inspire others.”