Survivor to Paralympian: Ralf Etienne’s Race for Haiti’s First Winter Games Spot

Ralf Etienne’s story has multiple dimensions of interest—personal resilience, nationality and immigration policy, elite athleticism, and corporate flexibility. As a survivor of Haiti’s 2010 earthquake, he channels that experience into both athletic ambition and professional dedication. [1] His aim to compete in the Winter Paralympics brings focus to Haiti’s absence historically in winter sports; Haiti has never had a representative in the Winter Olympics, though one athlete, Mackenson Florindo, competed at the Winter Youth Olympics in 2020. [6][8]

His relocation to London underscores the real-world impact of evolving U.S. immigration policy, particularly the Department of Homeland Security’s decision in December 2025 to halt green-card processing for Haitians, removing a key path to citizenship. [1] The move enabled Etienne to retain international mobility necessary for ski competition while preserving his banking career in Bank of America’s European operations. [1]

From a performance standpoint, Etienne must navigate a compressed qualification timeline: under three months from late December 2025 to compete in European races sufficient to meet Paralympic standards. [1] He’s racing against time in logistical terms (travel, visa status, securing coaching) and athletic terms (training load, adaptation, competition exposure). [1]

Strategically for his employer, Bank of America, this story can be both a human interest win and a talent retention challenge. By agreeing to Etienne’s relocation and supporting his unusual athletic pursuit, the bank signals flexibility and alignment with diversity and inclusion values—useful for morale and image—but also faces costs in coordination and possibly in compensation. For non-profits and sporting bodies, Etienne’s situation illuminates gaps: fewer resources for winter sport development in Caribbean nations, reliance on diasporic athletes, and challenges in qualification access.

Open questions remain critical: Can Etienne secure enough high-level races to meet the Paralympic qualification criteria? Will relocation—and associated adjustment—dampen athletic performance? How will Haiti’s Olympic Committee support him financially and logistically? And beyond the individual, does this signal an opportunity or impetus for Haiti (and similar nations) to invest in winter-paralympic infrastructure or athlete development?