Passion drives Olympic skier from land of sun

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By Mike Ferreri

Summary

Philip Boit comes from a country that doesn't see a lot of snow. It's perhaps the last place you'd expect to find a winter Olympian. "Maybe they can say it's weird to see a Kenyan skiing," he said.

Story Published: Apr 4, 2008 at 5:32 PM PDT

Story Updated: Apr 4, 2008 at 5:36 PM PDT

SEATTLE -- At the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, B.C., one man will make history one last time.

Philip Boit comes from a country that doesn't see a lot of snow. It's perhaps the last place you'd expect to find a winter Olympian.

"Maybe they can say it's weird to see a Kenyan skiing," he said.

That's right. Boit is a Kenyan cross-country skier. He used to be a a runner until shoe giant Nike recruited him to start skiing...halfway across the world.

"I started in Finland in 1996 February," he said.

And he says it was no cake walk at first. Trying to learn to ski downhill was a long uphill battle for the Kenyan.

"I couldn't go 5 meters and (I'd) fall down 10 meters," he said. "I couldn't go (down the) small downhill for the kids. I (would) fall down."

After the 1998 Olympics in Nagano, Nike's experiment was over. Boit had finished last, but his passion for the foreign sport had just begun to grow.

"I don't know how to explain this sport which I love so much," he said.

He didn't want to give up so easy, so he kept at it, out in the cold. And he hasn't stopped since.

Now he's training in the Methow Valley in Winthrop, Washington, taking in breathtaking views and getting ready to represent his country in the Winter Olympics for his and its fourth time.

"I think it's a great story (of) his determination," said Danica Kaufman with the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association. "Because he sort of became created as a Nordic skier through the company Nike. He persisted beyond that because he fell in love with the sport."

The endless hours of practice on the slopes are easy for Boit compared to the road he traveled to be able to compete. He had to overcome political unrest and unthinkable violence in his country this year. He says the mere fact that he made it to the U.S. this year is a small miracle.

"I'm lucky to be here so I can ski," he said.

The decision to leave was difficult one to make for Boit, a farmer who left his four children behind with his wife. The situation worsened before his flight from Kenya even landed in the U.S.

"While I was on my way to the U.S. my land and field was burned," he said. "Right now it has taken me back to where I started."

Hearing about his livelihood being reduced to a pile of ashes is weighing heavy on Boit's heart. But his desire to ski still burns. Crops can be replanted every spring, but the Olympics only come around once every four years.

"I (would) like so much to make the break, (be the) 'big shot,' the real fast time in all Olympics," he said.

The 2010 Olympics will be Boit's last. It's one final chance for him to prove to the world that a man from Kenya can indeed ski.

"I think that will be my greatest day or days in my life because I'll be celebrating since I started skiing and I can see that I've achieved the goal I wanted," he said. "And (I'm) looking forward to that because that will be the real measure thing in my life."

After the Olympics Boit will return to Kenya to help his country scout new athletes for the new Winter Sports Federation. Boit says he's got his eyes on one student in particular -- his 10-year-old son who has already taken a liking to cross-country skiing.