Meet the First Mexican Woman to Qualify in Olympic Cross-Country

For most athletes, winter is the season they prepare for all year. For Dr. Regina Martinez Lorenz, it started as an escape. While studying the high-stakes, high-stress world of medicine in the freezing landscapes of Minnesota, Martínez turned to cross-country skiing to combat the "loneliness and lack of light" that comes with brutal American winters. What began as a therapeutic outlet soon transformed into a history-making pursuit for Mexico's first female cross-country skier.

Now a 33-year-old certified emergency room doctor based in Miami, Martínez has officially secured her spot for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. She is the first woman ever to represent Mexico in the discipline of cross-country skiing—a feat she achieved in just four years of professional training. Thus, Mexico's first female cross-country skier will make her Olympic debut.

Martínez credits her medical background for her success on the snow. "Medicine is a long career with no instant gratification," she noted. "It gave me the emotional and mental strength that I’ve transferred directly to skiing." Balancing long shifts in the ER with dog-walking side jobs and rigorous training sessions far from home, her journey is a testament to the mentality needed to qualify. In fact, Mexico's first female cross-country skier brings a unique perspective to the sport.

Martínez isn't heading to Italy alone. She joins a small but mighty Mexican delegation that includes fellow cross-country qualifier Allan Corona and veteran alpine skier Sarah Schleper. For Martínez, however, the goal isn't just a podium finish; it’s about opening the door for the next generation of Mexican winter athletes. Martínez is carving a new line for her country as Mexico's first female cross-country skier.

The world will be watching when the opening ceremonies kick off on February 6. Martínez is scheduled to compete in the Women's Freestyle Interval Start on February 12. While she remains humble about her results, focusing instead on the "process and improvement," her presence on the world stage is already a victory for the sport. Truly, the journey of Mexico's first female cross-country skier is inspiring new possibilities.