At just 20 years old, Malica Malherbe continues to make steady progress on the international freestyle skiing stage, representing South Africa as the country’s only athlete on the FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup circuit. Her journey reflects a combination of perseverance, technical development, and growing experience — all aligned with her broader ambition of qualifying for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
Malherbe made her World Cup debut in December 2023 in Ruka, Finland. Since then, she has completed two full seasons on the World Cup circuit, with the 2024/25 campaign marking another step forward. One of the highlights of this season was her first appearance at the FIS World Championships, held in Engadin, Switzerland.
“Competing at the World Championships didn’t feel too different from the World Cup races, since I’ve been up against the same level of competition throughout the season,” she explained. “But the prestige of the event did serve as a reminder of how far I’ve come. I’ve worked to get here, and now it’s about building on that foundation.”
Among her season highlights was a career-best 18th-place finish in dual moguls competitions in Georgia and Kazakhstan. “It wasn’t just the result,” she noted, “but the process leading up to it. I had been focusing on refining my technique and testing new strategies, and it was encouraging to see that work pay off.”
Off the snow, Malherbe has also embraced the demands of managing her career independently. “I’ve learned to take on the logistical side of things — travel, decision-making — and I’m starting to really enjoy the independence that comes with it.”
The season did come with its share of challenges. A slow start forced her to reassess her approach. “I had high expectations at the beginning of the season, and when results didn’t go as hoped, I panicked a bit,” she admitted. “But I allowed myself space to adjust, both mentally and in training. Taking things one competition at a time helped me regain focus, and that mindset shift played a role in achieving my personal best.”
With the competitive season having concluded a few months ago, Malherbe is now well into an intensive off-season training phase focused on the 2025/26 season. Her current focus includes on-snow training, jump development on water ramps and trampolines, and a rigorous gym routine. “One of my main goals right now is to make my jumps more consistent and to keep building confidence as I prepare for the next season,” she said.
Mental preparation is equally important. “I give myself time away from skiing to reset. Being back home and settling into normal routines helps me reflect. After that, I speak to my coaches to properly process the season and set goals.”
Looking ahead to the 2025/26 season, her objectives are clearly defined. “With the Winter Games in February, my aim is to qualify and finish inside the top 30,” she said. “But more than just rankings, I want to focus on consistency and enjoying the process.”
Representing South Africa at the Winter Olympics would be a major milestone. “It’s been my long-term goal,” she said. “I’m focusing on improving my performance in the bumps and especially on refining my jumps. There’s not much time left, so I’m taking it one step at a time and making the most of the opportunity.”
Malherbe’s journey into the sport began early. Growing up in Canada, she moved closer to the mountains at age four and joined a local ski school soon after. At eight, she became part of a freestyle ski club, encouraged by a friend’s mother — a former Olympic moguls skier and passionate coach.
“She invited me to join the freestyle club, and that’s where it all started,” Malherbe recalled. “I initially competed across all the freestyle disciplines, but by the time I was 13, I decided to focus solely on moguls.”
What drew her to moguls? “Even at a young age, it felt like the most natural fit,” she said. “I liked the challenge of the bumps, the thrill of learning new tricks, and the competitive atmosphere. The encouragement from my coaches helped a lot too.”
As Malherbe prepares for what could be the most important season of her career, she continues to build on a foundation shaped by consistent progress, self-awareness, and a strong work ethic. In a sport with few South African footprints, her commitment stands out — and her journey is one worth following.
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