At just 18 years old, Helaina, Henniyah, and Henri Rivers IV are redefining what it means to chase a dream on ice and snow. These Long Island-born triplets aren’t just training to compete—they’re aiming to make history as Jamaica’s next generation of alpine skiers at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Roots, Rhythm, and Resilience
Born to a Jamaican mother and American father—both certified ski instructors—the Rivers siblings grew up on skis before they could even tie their own boots. What started as playful weekends on the slopes soon evolved into a passion that now fuels a shared Olympic dream.
Their father, Henri Rivers III, is also a respected figure in ski culture as the president of the National Brotherhood of Skiers, an organization dedicated to increasing diversity in winter sports. Under his guidance, the triplets learned early that representation matters as much as performance.
“We’ve been skiing since before we could remember,” Helaina once said. “It’s just part of who we are.”
Breaking Barriers in a Space Few Black Athletes Occupy
The triplets began competing in alpine racing by age 5, training rigorously at facilities like Windham Race Factory in New York’s Catskills. Their journey hasn’t been without challenges—balancing academics, long hours of training, and the financial demands of professional skiing is no small feat.
Yet their drive and unity have propelled them to impressive milestones. In 2024, two of the siblings represented Jamaica at the Winter Youth Olympics in South Korea, proudly wearing the island’s iconic green, gold, and black. For many, seeing young Black athletes carving through the snow for Jamaica echoed the beloved story of the 1988 bobsled team that inspired Cool Runnings—but this time, it’s the next generation pushing boundaries.
Scholars, Scouts, and Skiers
When they’re not on the slopes, the Rivers triplets are proving that excellence extends far beyond athletics. All three achieved the Eagle Scout rank, becoming the first Black triplets in U.S. history to do so. Their accomplishments reflect a balance of discipline, leadership, and heart—traits that continue to define their journey to the world stage.
Currently, the siblings attend boarding schools that allow them to merge academics with elite-level training, spending up to six days a week refining their skills. Their focus is laser-sharp: to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics and inspire more youth of color to see themselves in snow sports.
The Road to Milan-Cortina 2026
With Jamaica’s flag in their hearts and skis at their feet, Helaina, Henniyah, and Henri Rivers IV are determined to prove that excellence has no boundaries—geographic, racial, or climatic.
“Our goal isn’t just to compete,” Henniyah said. “It’s to show the next generation that we belong anywhere we dream of being.”
From Long Island to the Alps, their journey embodies the same spirit that has always defined Jamaica on the world stage—undaunted, bold, and full of rhythm.
