Tongan Skier makes history in St. Moritz ^Featured

19 February, 2017. On Thursday 16 February Kasete Skeen made history becoming the first Tongan to compete at the Alpine Skiing World Championships currently being held in St Moritz, Switzerland.

Unfortunately Skeen crashed out of his second run in the Giant Slalom qualification race however his presence at the Championships is testament to his remarkable rise that saw him quit his job only five months ago and take up the sport.

In a statement put out on his Facebook page Skeen said "Competing here at the World Championships in St Moritz has been an amazing experience. Even though I made it to the finish line I was unhappy with how I skied in the first run. On the second run I therefore vowed to give it my all. If I had completed the course without trying to ski my best I would have felt defeated. We all fall down sometimes but knowing that I went down fighting makes it easier to stand up and try again".

Skeen's  ski outfit  on that historical day was designed by Carrie Skeen called "Warrior Design" based on Tonga traditions and culture. According to Carrie Skeen, the Warrior is based on the tradition of Tongan tatatau. It holds Kasete’s story; the journey he is currently taking, his country and culture and his family. The design represents a Tongan Warrior gifted with speed, agility, strength and flight.

The Warrior’s arms are wrapped in war clubs and elevated by the double wings of the manuula. His right shoulder carries his nation; the six-sided star containing the red cross. The Warrior carries his Kingdom with him, providing strength and inciting fear (sharks teeth) in his opponents. 

On his left arm, the Warrior carries the support of this family; 3 wolves heads on 3 daggers, representing the bare-handed victories which provided the Skeen family with their name; the epitome of bravery and courage Across his back is ‘Lomipeau’; the legendary sailing canoe of the Tu’i Tonga.

The Warrior has strong, bold legs; providing speed and agility, support (Fata’o Tu’i Tonga) and balance. Spearheads down the length of his body strike fear and deliver courage and strength. They also provide symmetry to the design.

The Warrior wears the Tongan national colours red and white and integrates the black of tatatau. Kasete is the Warrior. His markings are a reminder to hold his culture close. The design carries his support systems, and provides the vehicle by which he will journey from past to present in this challenge.

The design calls to the fearsome Tongan warriors of his ancestry to be with him. To offer him their courage, their insights and their speed.

Kasete not only made history in becoming the first Tongan to compete at the Alpine Skiing World Championships but he also become a good ambassador in promoting Tonga world-wide.