Matt Smith grew up dreaming of playing rugby for South Africa, but rather than pull on the famous green Springboks jersey he has established his own nickname in a sport rarely practiced by his compatriots.
The 34-year-old cross-country skier - dubbed the 'Snowbok' - has earned a quota place for his nation at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
His achievement is all the more remarkable given that he only took up the sport two years ago after relocating from Cape Town to Norway.
"I think [for] anybody who is a hobby athlete, the Holy Grail is the Olympics," Smith told Sportshour on the BBC World Service.
"The reality is for many of us, myself included, that was a wild dream that would never be achieved until I set out on a journey two years ago.
"I've dedicated a lot of time, energy, resources. It's just the most phenomenal dream come true."
South Africa is the continent's second-most successful nation at the summer Olympics with 28 gold medals but, given its warm climate, it is yet to make a real impact at the Winter Games.
The country did not send anyone to the Sochi 2014 or Beijing 2022 Games, and Smith is set to be just the 16th South African to represent his country at the event.
"I just love putting South Africa on the map in a winter sport," he said.
"I'm not the first. I definitely won't be the last.
"We have heart, courage and determination as a nation. All these South African athletes who precede me have been champions."
Inspired by a Mexican skier
Shortly after his move to the Norwegian capital Oslo, Smith's passion for the outdoors piqued an interest in skiing.
"I loved to run, cycle, swim outside, and then I moved to Norway as the snow was falling and the winter was coming," he explained.
"I thought to myself, I have two options here: either I lean into this or I hibernate."
Smith chose to embrace the conditions in Scandinavia and, as fate would have it, his new hobby led to him meeting Allan Corona, a Mexican cross-country skier.
The two men have since formed a close bond, becoming training partners and also competing alongside one another on the international circuit.
"I just decided to take the bull by the horns," Smith said.
"If Allan can represent Mexico, why can't I represent South Africa?"
Then came bigger questions and an ambitious target.
"When's the next Olympics?" Smith continued. "Do we have anyone representing us? No.
"Is it humanly possible ...
