OLYMPICS: Thailand's Chanloung cross-country siblings return home for 2026 Winter Games

MILAN – Karen and Mark Chanloung grew up in the Italian Alps, where winter sports are a way of life and children are on skis almost as soon as they can stand.

At the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, the siblings will represent Thailand, a tropical nation with little history in winter sports but growing ambitions on the global stage.

Born to an Italian mother and a Thai father, the Chanloungs were raised in Gressoney-La-Trinité, in Italy’s Aosta Valley. They have already competed for Thailand in two Winter Olympics — PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022 — and are set to make it three in a row, bringing their journey full circle back to Italy.

“This Olympics will be more special because it’s in Italy, where we grew up,” said Karen, 29.

Family Support at the Forefront

The cross-country skiing events will take place in Tesero, Val di Fiemme, a venue familiar to the siblings from their junior years.

“There will be a lot of support; this time Grandma Ada will come too,” Karen added.

Trained initially in Italy’s competitive regional system, both siblings raced for the Italian team before switching to Thailand in 2016, helping to establish a national federation from scratch.

The decision was both pragmatic and emotional.

“It felt exciting to represent our dad’s country and create something of our own,” Karen said.

Their father, Boonchan Chanloung, has served as team manager and technical leader, while their mother, Maria Vittoria Comune, is a physiotherapist who has supported them throughout major competitions.

Mark, 30, is expected to compete in several endurance events, while Karen will focus on the women’s 10 km. The siblings are also likely to carry Thailand’s flag at the opening ceremony on February 6, representing a small but growing team of athletes.

Building a Winter Sport Base in Thailand

Representing Thailand came with fewer resources but also greater opportunities to grow. The Chanloungs’ Olympic appearances have captured public attention back home and inspired the development of winter sports.

Since 2018, Thailand’s sports authorities have invested in roller-skiing programs, using asphalt tracks and purpose-built circuits to introduce endurance disciplines to young athletes.

Progress continued in 2024 when Thailand won its first Winter Youth Olympic medal — a silver in women’s monobob at Gangwon — a milestone for a country still developing winter sports infrastructure.

While continuing to compete internationally, Mark has become a mentor to a new generation of Thai skiers, offering guidance on technique and equipment.

“The Thai winter sport federation is young and works with athletes who start from very basic levels and need years to become internationally competitive,” he said.

He added: “Among the so-called exotic nations, Thailand has one of the most organized programs for kids and for winter sports in general. They’re on the right track.”

-Reporting by Andrea Mandalà; Editing by Keith Weir/Reuters