In an inspiring partnership that bridges the worlds of sport and technology, Kasete-Naufahu Skeen, professional skier for the Royal Tonga Ski Federation, and Joachim Kraftmayer, CEO of Clyso GmbH, are proving that passion, perseverance, and innovation can unite diverse communities and push the limits of what’s possible.
Kasete’s remarkable journey defies expectations. Born in London, with deep roots in Tonga, and now training in Sweden, he has been representing Tonga in international alpine skiing competitions since 2017 — fulfilling a vision inspired by the late King Tupou IV.
“Skiing is not something traditionally associated with Tonga,” says Kasete. “But I wanted to show that success in unexpected fields is possible — proving that boundaries exist only in our minds.”
Joachim Kraftmayer, an open-source technology leader and CEO of Clyso GmbH, shares this ethos.
“Kasete’s story mirrors our philosophy at Clyso: believe in yourself, push through resistance, and embrace innovation. Just as Kasete is carving a path in skiing, we innovate and lead in open-source software solutions like Ceph, making technology accessible to enterprises worldwide.”
A Journey of Resilience and Purpose
Kasete’s path to the slopes is a true testament to dedication. From leaving his role as an opera festival manager in London to bartending in Sweden and juggling teaching work with rigorous training, he has shown what perseverance can achieve. Now, with his sights set on the 2025 Ski World Championships in Saalbach, Austria, Kasete is aiming for a top-60 finish — a stepping stone toward his ultimate dream of representing Tonga at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
“I’m grateful to compete at another World Championship,” says Kasete. “Every race is a step closer to my dream. With the support of my family and partners like Clyso, I can focus on improving and enjoying the journey.”
A Shared Vision: Innovation Without Borders
For Clyso GmbH, a leader in open-source software-defined storage solutions, supporting Kasete is about more than sponsorship — it’s about championing a shared vision of inclusion and innovation.
“Open source is about community and breaking down barriers,” says Joachim Kraftmayer. “Just as Kasete shows borders can be crossed with determination, we demonstrate that open-source technology empowers everyone — from SMEs to Fortune 500s — by making innovation accessible.”
Clyso’s motto, “Yes, I really mean it,” underscores their commitment to delivering meaningful impact, whether advancing open-source technologies or supporting an athlete’s dreams.
“It’s not just a tagline,” says Joachim. “It’s a promise to create value, drive innovation, and stay true to our belief in accessibility and excellence.”
A Beacon of Hope and Possibility
Together, Kasete and Joachim share an empowering message for the next generation: dream boldly, work relentlessly, and break boundaries.
“With hard work and the right partners, anything is possible,” says Kasete.
Joachim adds, “Open source is a tool for opening doors and fostering innovation. Together, we can make technology — and opportunity — accessible to all.”As Kasete prepares to compete in Saalbach this February, this unique partnership between the Royal Tonga Ski Federation and Clyso GmbH stands as a testament to what happens when sport and technology work hand in hand — inspiring people worldwide to believe that boundaries are meant to be broken.
