It’s hard to keep up with Manon Ouaiss. Fiercely driven, grounded in her values and deeply connected to Lebanon’s mountains, she is one of the country’s most accomplished winter athletes. We caught up with her off the slopes to learn more about her unexpected journey into competitive skiing, her proudest moments representing Lebanon on the world stage and the philosophy that fuels her ambition.

What motivated you to start skiing competitively in Lebanon?

It all started almost by coincidence. My parents put me on skis when I was three years old, and from that moment on, I developed a growing attraction to competition in general. Skiing, in particular, captivated me because it is such a complete sport – combining speed, control, technique and adrenaline – while being practiced outdoors, in the mountains I love so much. For me, skiing is far more than a sport. It is a full experience that brings powerful emotions: the constant feeling of being on the edge, the excitement of an extreme discipline, and a deep connection with nature. All of this naturally pushed me toward skiing competitively.

How do you stay focused and motivated during intense competitions?

By nature, I thrive in competitive environments; they elevate me. Also, over time, experience has helped me understand myself better, allowing me to identify the mental states and conditions that suit me best during competitions. Another turning point was learning to optimize the resources I can control while not wasting energy dwelling on what is beyond my control. That shift truly changed my game. I always give everything I have, and whatever happens, happens. That’s also the beauty of sport: transcending yourself, especially when motivation or focus wavers.

What has been your proudest moment representing Lebanon internationally?

My proudest moment would be my first Olympic Games in Beijing in 2022, where I had the honor of being the flag bearer. The Olympics are unique in the sense that you compete more for your country than for yourself. That rare national dimension comes with immense pride and responsibility. Another defining moment was becoming the first Lebanese woman in history to win a gold medal at the Asian Championships.

How do you handle the pressure of competing at the Olympic level?

I try to constantly remind myself why I chose this path — and the answer is always the same: a burning passion. The privilege of exploring some of the most beautiful places in the world while doing what I love most makes pressure feel secondary. I’m grateful to be in this position. With time, as you gain mileage, you also learn more about yourself and how you personally cope with pressure and expectations. There is no magical formula; you just discover what works for you through experience.

Who has been your biggest influence or mentor in your skiing career?

Growing up, I looked up to three Lebanese women who had competed at the Olympic Games before me: Chirine Njeim, Jackie Chamoun and Natacha Mohbat. As a young Lebanese girl, simply witnessing their journeys made me feel like I was touching, even from afar, what would later become my own dream, then eventually my reality.

What lessons from skiing have had the biggest impact on your life off the slopes?

Skiing has taught me invaluable life lessons: overcoming adversity, trusting the process with your head down because it will eventually pay off — often in ways and moments you don’t expect — and letting go of your ego. Surrounding yourself with people who are better than you is essential; they elevate you, inspire you and help you grow, even if it doesn’t always feel pleasant to be the ‘weakest.’

What does Lebanon mean to you?

I always say I love Lebanon a bit too much. I can’t resist going back whenever I can and the ‘drama of my life’ has always been the necessity of leaving — first for uni, now for training. To me, abroad they have everything except the essential, and in Lebanon we have nothing except the essential. That essence — our spirit, warmth, identity and resilience — is what keeps me deeply attached to my country.

What’s next for Manon Ouaiss?

I feel like I’m just at the beginning of what I want to accomplish in sports — both athletically and professionally. On the sporting side, I have exciting projects coming up, including in martial arts. On the business side, I’m equally motivated to pursue new ventures and build the next chapter of my career, ideally in the sports industry.

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If you enjoyed reading this, check out our interview with Aziza Sbaity: Lebanon’s Fastest Woman.