On this day in 2022, Kiana Kryeziu became the first representative of Kosova to compete in the Winter Olympics held in Beijing.

Taking part in the giant slalom at the Beijing Olympics was a significant milestone for 17-year-old Kiana Kryeziu and her country of Kosova.

Kryeziu started racing at the age of 10 and is the first female athlete in the history of Kosova to compete at the Winter Olympics in the women’s slalom. After meeting the required standards, she competed in the last races held in Italy, where she finished 51st in the giant slalom discipline.

The success of the 17-year-old giant slalom specialist stirred national pride in Kosova. Moreover, success in sports provides an avenue for wider visibility and greater international recognition. Kosovar representation in the Olympics helps advance the image of the state.

Kryeziu was the female flag bearer during the Opening Ceremony. She finished 49th out of 82 total contestants. Her time after two runs was 2 minutes 42.19 seconds.

Regardless of the result, qualifying for LOD Beijing 2022 itself was a great achievement for Kiana and Kosova, paving the way for more women athletes to represent Kosova on the international sporting stage. The success of the 17-year-old giant slalom specialist stirred national pride in Kosova and helped emphasize practicing skiing through the participation of women in winter sports in Kosova.