In May 2012 the Mexican National Ski Association made the first steps in requesting the change of nationality and consequent change of FIS license for American skier Sarah Schleper de Gaxiola.

Schleper de Gaxiola competed in World Cup for USSA between 1995 and 2011 when she retired from the team. She achieved four World Cup podiums, including her only victory at the Lenzerheide Finals in 2005.

Following Mexico’s request, USSA provided a letter of release to FIS and in November 2013 the FIS Council approved the change of license, allowing Schleper de Gaxiola to compete for Mexico only after receiving a copy of her Mexican passport. This Wednesday morning, a copy of her passport has been delivered to FIS, making Schleper de Gaxiola officially eligible to compete for Mexico in the upcoming season.

Schleper de Gaxiola announced already on Tuesday evening that her change of nationality was finally official.

“I am proud to announce that I have received Mexican citizenship. I aim to get back into the starting gate and perform in the World Championships Vail 2015. I was presented a letter of citizenship by the president of Mexico Señor Peña Nieto. I feel proud and excited to be a citizen of this a beautiful country,” she wrote on her social media pages.

We wish Sarah all the best in her comeback to the slopes and next season’s competitions.

Source: the official FIS site