Latin America on Ice: A Century Without Glory, But Never Without Fight

The story we tell about Latin America, eternal summer, sun-drenched coasts, heat that doesn't quit, conveniently ignores the snow. But the Andes don't care about stereotypes. Chile and Argentina have mountains that rival the Alps, slopes carved by centuries of ice, and ski resorts older than some Winter Olympic sports themselves.

And still, after nearly 100 years of trying, the medal count sits at zero.

That hasn't stopped the region from showing up: the Tames brothers driving 53 hours from Mexico to Calgary to compete in bobsled, Costa Rica's Arturo Kinch arriving as a one-man delegation with nothing but skis, Venezuela's Antonio Pardo founding an entire national ski federation so he could qualify.

No medals yet, but as the Winter Olympics begin next week, one thing is clear: Latin America didn't spend a century showing up just to stay quiet.

_{What We’re…}

🛍️ BUYING:
What started as solo runs through South L.A. is now Barrio Athletics, a community-driven apparel brand rooted in neighborhood culture. Shop Collection. 

📺 WATCHING:
After decades of stitching Bulls history by hand, Señora Maria Estela Rinconeño Parra was honored by the very crowd that grew up under her work. Watch her moment here.

Mexican gymnast Natalia Escalera brought Bad Bunny to her floor routine and we can’t stop watching.

🎉 CELEBRATING:
Puerto Rican hooper turned entrepreneur is opening up a women's sports bar in Chicago. See you there in Spring.

Claudia Martínez is 18, Paraguayan, and just became the first player from her country to sign with the NWSL. The $950K transfer fee? Just the cherry on top.