Obese to Olympics: A Curling Comeback Like No Other
What do you think of when you hear the word ‘Olympian’? Chiselled abs? Herculean dedication? Dreams forged in fire? Well, let me introduce you to Alan Frei, a man redefining what it means to be an Olympianone stone at a time.
The daring underdog and Philippines curling representative is making waves (and sending them smoothly down the ice) on his long-shot journey to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Once an overweight, suit-clad businessman, Alan Frei is now an intense and unexpected contender in curling, a sport typically dominated by Nordic countries and Canada. This is not your typical Olympian journey, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most compelling narratives of perseverance, humor, and ice-cold ambition you’ll ever hear.
From Boardrooms to Broom Handles
By his own admission, Alan Frei wasn’t a picture of health just a few short years ago. At over 120 kilograms (264 lbs), his body was groaning under the strain of long office hours, international travel, and what he cheekily describes as a propensity for indulging a little too enthusiastically in the delights of buffet tables.
“I was a classic case of ‘corporate warrior gone sedentary.’ There was no balance. The only competition in my life was who got to the restaurant table first,” Frei quipped in an interview.
But in 2018, something inside him snappedperhaps, metaphorically, it was the tightening of his belt one too many times. Frei had no experience in high-stakes athletic competition and no roadmap to change, but when he stumbled across the sport of curling, something clicked. “I loved the precision, the teamwork, the tactics. But most of all, I loved that I didn’t have to run,” Frei added with his trademark self-deprecating humor.
Curling: A Gateway Sport to Something Great
Curling, with its deceptively simple mechanics, soon became Frei’s obsession. Think bowls but on ice. The combination of strategy, coordination, and balance made it an ideal entry point for someone like Alan. It quickly became a metaphor for his life: Even the heaviest curling stone could glide effortlessly with the right angle and direction. He saw a parallel to his own efforts for transformation.
Training for curling wasn’t just a physical reawakening; it was mental therapy. Frei threw himself (not literally, thankfully) onto the ice and practiced relentlessly. He joined leagues, found a mentor in Swiss curler Philipp Huerlimann, and started honing the delicately aggressive art of sliding stones into the house. And let’s not forget the sweepinga full-body workout that disguised itself as choreographed housework.
Wearing the Flag of the Philippines with Pride
Now here’s the twistFrei isn’t just curling for the love of the game. He’s representing the Philippines, a country where the phrase “winter sports” might elicit blank stares. Yes, the tropical archipelago where snow is as mythical as the yeti now has a serious curling contender to root for.
Leveraging his dual Swiss-Philippine citizenship, Frei has worked tirelessly to bring curling into the spotlight for a country better known for its basketball courts and boxing rings. Pairing his story with his mission to inspire others, Frei is not shying away from the grand goal: making history for his heritage. “Philippines curling has a chance to write something meaningful. I want to make every moment on the ice count for my country,” Frei said passionately.
The Road to Milano Cortina 2026
With the Milano Cortina 2026 Games on the horizon, Frei isn’t slowing down. Training didn’t get easier after conquering his weight-loss journeyit only became more intense. But this self-declared “curling crazy” individual wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Some mornings, I don’t feel like hitting the ice,” Frei admitted, “but then I think about all the other people battling their own uphill climbs. If I can do this, I want to show them they can do anything too.”
The road may be steep, but if anyone can sweep their way to the pinnacle of curling, it’s Frei. Let’s not forget, he’s literally been sliding uphill since day one.
More Than Medals: A Movement
For Frei, the appeal of curling extends beyond sport. It’s about defying odds, breaking stereotypes, and inspiring those who think the dream of an *athletic identity* is beyond their reach. He’s taking the narrative of extraordinary transformation far beyond the confines of personal victory.
Alan Frei’s success has already piqued international media attention, but for him, the most satisfying moments come when he meets fans who tell him, “If you can do it, I can do it too.” Maybe they won’t all become Olympians, but the ripple effect of positivity Frei delivers is undeniable.
Will Frei bring home an Olympic medal? That’s anyone’s guess. But if Olympics are about embodying human spirit and overcoming odds, Alan Frei might just be the ultimate champion of them all.
When the Last Stone Slides
Alan Frei’s story isn’t just a feel-good underdog tale. It’s a wake-up call to dreamers stuck in their comfort zones. From obese to Olympic-bound, he’s proving that the line between ordinary and extraordinary is as thin as a curling ice sheet. All it takes is a leap of faithand a seriously good pair of curling shoes. Milano Cortina 2026, look out. Alan Frei is bringing his unique brand of ice-cold determination, and he’s sweeping the competition one rock at a time.
