The dream of Regina Martínez, which once seemed impossible, has become a reality at the Milan 2026 Olympic Games.

From Medical Internship to Cross-Country Skiing Training

Regina has an unconventional sports story. Her journey began while completing her medical internship in Minnesota, when loneliness and seasonal depression were taking over her life; cross-country skiing came to save her and became her refuge.

She reached out through a message on Instagram to Germán Madrazo, who competed in the same discipline at PyeongChang 2018. When he learned about her story, he traveled to Minnesota to help her prepare, becoming her first coach.

Thanks to her intense training and sacrifices, she competed in the cross-country skiing event at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim, Norway, where she earned the points necessary to secure Olympic qualification, motivated by her dream and by the desire to become the first Mexican woman to compete in the Winter Olympic Games in this discipline.

Unconventional Training and Great Sacrifice

Her preparation was far from typical for a winter sport. Regina Martínez adapted her environment and, against all odds, trained in snowless conditions, using roller skis on pavement to improve her technique and endurance.

Life presented many challenges. One of them was moving to Miami to complete her medical residency. “2,800 kilometers away from the snow, I had to choose between being an Olympian or an emergency room doctor.” It was a difficult decision, but Regina Martínez refused to give up and chose both.

To continue training, she had to fly constantly, and in order to afford her plane tickets, she began working as a dog walker for $10 an hour. It was a significant sacrifice, as Regina was already working 24-hour shifts in the emergency room, totaling 80 hours a week. Even so, her dream motivated her to keep going and do whatever it took to achieve it.

A Story and Lesson in Perseverance

Regina Martínez not only qualified for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games; she opened a door for Mexican sports. In a discipline uncommon for the country, she transformed the lack of tradition, snow, and institutional support into motivation to make history.

Her journey, built between hospital shifts and intense training sessions, proves that passion and discipline can break any geographic or cultural barrier.

Beyond the results, her participation represents a turning point for Mexico in women’s cross-country skiing. And simply by being there, on the biggest stage in winter sports, Regina Martínez proves that limits do not exist.