Meet Tallulah Proulx, The 17-Year-Old Making History As The First Filipina Athlete At The Winter Olympics

The Philippines may be a tropical country, but that didn't stop Filipina-American athlete Tallulah Proulx from making history! ICYDK, the 17-year-old is making history as the first Filipina and youngest Filipino athlete to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano–Cortina.

Based in Utah, the Fil-Am skier is set to compete in the Women's giant slalom and Women's slalom events that'll take place from February 7 to 18. She won't be the lone Filipino on the Winter Olympic stage, either—22-year-old Filipino-Italian athlete Francis Ceccarelli is also set to represent the country for Men's giant slalom and Men's slalom.

"I was really, really happy, of course. And honestly, just so excited after I found out... I was so grateful. And after that, like I would have been happy regardless, but I was especially happy on the drive home," Tallulah shared in an interview expressing her gratitude for the opportunity. 

"I hope I can be a role model to other young Filipina girls and Filipinas in general," she added. Tallulah's Filipino roots come from her father, whose family is from Eastern Samar.

Tallulah’s journey into alpine skiing began during a family vacation to Tahoe, California, where she first hit the slopes. That early introduction turned into a lifelong passion, and she's now been skiing for more than a decade.

"Ever since I was little, I've loved skiing. I would eagerly wait for my parents to help me with my ski boots and then go up the mountain and rip the slopes," Tallulah shared with the Olympic Council of Asia.

Her love for the sport only deepened when she transitioned into competitive racing. "Once I switched to racing, my passion for the sport and the joy of it has remained unchanged. Every day that I go out and ski, I come back feeling accomplished and thankful that I have such great opportunities in my life," she added.

In addition to her passion as an athlete, Tallulah's also a huge K-pop fan! In an interview with ABS-CBN News, she shared that her fave groups include BTS, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, Red Velvet, and RIIZE. (Olympians—they're just like us!)

Beyond personal achievement, Tallulah hopes to bring alpine skiing closer to Filipinos and inspire more interest in the sport. 

"I hope we can raise the profile of the sport back in the Philippines. I want everyone to know what fun alpine skiing is," the young athlete expressed.

She previously represented the Philippines at the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, where she finished within the top 16 among 44 competitors. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, "I am so grateful I got to participate and represent the Philippines, and I can't wait to do even more in the future. I had so much fun meeting everyone and skiing in my first big international race."