Denni Xhepa, 18, is the sole representative of Albania at the 2022 Winter Olympics. Hosted by Beijing, China, the international winter multisport event will be held from February 4-20, 2022.
Accompanied by six officials and coaches, Xhepa will be Albania’s flagbearer at the opening ceremony as the country’s only athlete. On January 26, 2022, the country’s minister of education, sports and youth Evis Kushi handed over the country’s flag to Xhepa.
.
Xhepa was born in Italy and is fluent in Italian and English. He will compete in men’s alpine skiing at the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Based in Sestriere, Piedmont, Italy, Xhepa made his debut at the 2019 Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS) event in Bormio, Sondrio, Lombardy, Italy, where he finished 42nd in giant slalom. In January 2020, he finished fifth in slalom in Pila, Aosta Valley, Italy.
In June 2021, the FIS approved Xhepa to represent Albania at 2022 Winter Olympics. On December 12, 2021, he won in a national junior race in Sestriere.
In July 2015, Beijing was elected as host city of the 2022 Winter Olympics at the 128th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This marks the first time the Winter Olympics is held in China.
Including Xhepa, a total of 2,871 athletes from 91 countries and territories will compete in 109 events in seven sports. Aside from Beijing, some events will be held in other parts of China including Yanqing and Chongli.
CONAN Daily 