Cape Town, February 9th, 2026 - After leading Team South Africa into the Winter Olympic arena at the Opening Ceremony, cross-country skier Matt C. Smith now turns his attention to the challenge that lies ahead - lining up for one of the most physically and mentally demanding endurance events at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
Nicknamed “The Snowbok”, Smith will compete in cross-country skiing at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium in Val di Fiemme, Italy, with his next race scheduled for Friday, 13 February. The discipline is widely regarded as one of the toughest tests at the Winter Games, requiring athletes to sustain extreme cardiovascular output across long distances, altitude, and unforgiving terrain.
Smith’s preparation for competition is underpinned by an unconventional partnership with Corona Cero, built around a Relaxation Clause - a contractual commitment that places intentional rest, mental clarity, and recovery alongside elite performance. Rooted in the brand’s Time Cero philosophy, the approach challenges the traditional “always-on” mentality often associated with high-performance sport.
Smith is part of a select global group of elite Winter Olympians partnering with Corona Cero under the same Relaxation Clause. The international roster includes Olympic champions and medalists such as Mark McMorris (Canada), Marie-Philip Poulin (Canada), Cassie Sharpe (Canada), Arianna Fontana (Italy), Suzanne Schulting (Netherlands), Ayumu Hirano (Japan), Lucas Pinheiro (Brazil), and Katie Ormerod (UK) - reinforcing that the Time Cero philosophy is shared across disciplines and nations.
"When I started, I had no idea what I was getting into - I just knew I wanted to chase the wild dream of representing South Africa at the Winter Olympics,” said Smith while reflecting on his journey. “Coming from a country without much snow sports, many thought it was impossible, but that only motivated me more. The journey has been full of challenges and unforgettable moments, and I’ve learned it’s not just about reaching the Olympics, it’s about inspiring others to dream big. Partnering with Corona feels natural because they celebrate enjoying the process, embracing the unexpected, and living boldly - exactly how I’ve approached every step of this ride."
Smith’s participation comes during a landmark moment for South African winter sport. Milano Cortina 2026 marks the largest Winter Olympic team South Africa has ever sent, with five athletes competing across disciplines. Alongside Smith, Team South Africa includes Nicole Burger (Skeleton), Malica Malherbe (Freestyle Skiing), Lara Markthaler (Slalom & Giant Slalom), and Thomas Weir (Slalom & Giant Slalom).
“Matt’s journey reflects a more modern understanding of performance,” says Melanie Nicholson, Head of Brand: Corona South Africa. “It’s about clarity, sustainability, and knowing when to pause as much as when to push forward. That balance is what Corona Cero stands for, and why this partnership feels so authentic.”
Attention now turns to the competition ahead, as Matt Smith prepares to take on cross-country skiing at the Val di Fiemme venue in Tesero on Friday, 13 February 2026.