Africans at the Winter Olympics in Turin (2006)

Given the general sunny climate it isn't surprising that Africa doesn't have much of a presence at the Winter Olympics. In the past, Kenya sent a few athletes for training in Finland to see if their incredible talent in long distance running could convert into success in the cross-country skiing event. Turin 2006 will be Kenyan Philip Boit's third Winter Olympics and he's hoping to finish in the middle of the pack.

Morocco has some ski slopes and a ski team but were embarrassed by the performance of one of their Alpine skiers in the 1992 Olympics. He was lapped during the giant slalom. This year their hopes were high for Sarah Ben Mansour who was going to be the first African woman to participate in an alpine ski event. Unfortunately it looked like a last minute injury stopped her from competing. Instead it will be Madagascar who has the honor of sending a female athlete to the games this winter (see below).

Algeria has 2 athletes competing in Turin (2006); Noureddine Bentoumi a cross-country skier and Christelle Laura Douibi a ladies downhill skier. Christelle is the only female African athlete competing in the games.

Perhaps Ethiopian born Robel Teklemariam will do the continent proud this year. He is Ethiopia's first ever Winter Olympic athlete. While Ethiopia's highlands do get some snowfall there aren't any winter sport facilities and Robert learned to ski in the US.

Senegal is sending Leyti Seck who qualified for several races but beyond that there isn't a lot of news about him.

Madagascar is represented in Turin by Alpine skier Mathieu Razanakolona, who is going to use his Olympics exposure to get more money for his non-profit organization that promotes sustainable development programs in Madagascar. He is not expected to be a medal contender but hopefully he will be able to build a brighter future for Madagascar as a result of his efforts.

South Africa has Africa's biggest Winter Olympic team. There's a bobsledder, an alpine skier and a cross-country skier all taking part in Turin 2006.

Here's wishing all of the competitors the best of luck. For an inside look into the Winter Olympics in Turin (2006) check out About.com's very own Olympic blogger who has an all access pass. And I'll be giving an update on how the African athletes performed during the Olympics.