The reaction is usually the same when Faiz Basha tells anyone that he's an Olympian. What sport? Ski racing. An understanding nod. What country? Singapore. Raised eyebrows. Basha's just the second athlete from the tropical country — temperature today: 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 Celsius) — to compete at a Winter Games.

While Singapore is better known for its tropical heat, one athlete is currently making history in the heart of the Italian Alps. Faiz Basha Munwar has officially stepped into the spotlight as the sole representative for Singapore at the Winter Olympic Games this year.

Explore Singapore's journey in winter sports, from its first Olympian in eight years to the challenges and hopes for future growth. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Age of Sports' channel will broadcast his giant slalom and slalom events live on Feb 14 and 16. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

For athletes at the ongoing 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, a podium finish can come with six-figure checks.

Switzerland-based Faiz Basha found a lack of snow when he returned to Singapore for military service, so he needed to improvise Singaporean Faiz Basha is the first competitor to represent his country in a snow sport at the Olympic Winter Games and his road to the frozen slopes from his tropical nation included unconventional training on in-line

Americans who top the podium at the Milan Cortina Games will be in line for a $37,500 bonus. Their competitors could collect as much as $800,000.

According to Forbes, several nations have announced cash bonuses for athletes who win medals at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Singapore