More Than a Mogul Skier: How Kareema Wakim Prepares for Winter

Every athlete has a routine before the snow season begins.

For Australian mogul skier Kareema Wakim, it starts long before the first chairlift turns.

Months before she clicks into her skis, she's building strength in the gym, working on her cardiovascular fitness, prioritising recovery, studying at university, and adding to her qualifications as a Sports Trainer, Ski Instructor and fitness professional. It's all part of laying the foundations for a successful season.

"My pre-season is really about resetting physically and mentally," Kareema says.

This winter, she's chasing some exciting goals: landing her first cork 7 on snow, building confidence in her speed and skiing, and putting together runs she's proud of at the Australian National Championships and ABOM.

Behind every competition run is months of preparation, discipline and consistency.

But for Kareema, there is another layer to preparing for winter.

Learning to Work With Her Body

Kareema lives with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system.

For many people, that diagnosis might seem incompatible with elite sport.

For Kareema, it's simply another part of the preparation.

"POTS affects my training and competition in many different ways, both physically and mentally," she explains.

"Simple things like standing up, getting on and off chairlifts, or doing repeated mogul runs take significantly more energy for me than most athletes, even with a high level of aerobic fitness."

When symptoms flare, brain fog, dizziness and visual disturbances can make a sport that demands split-second decisions and precision even more challenging.

Yet listening to her body has become one of Kareema's greatest strengths.

"Managing POTS has taught me a lot about listening to my body, adapting, and building resilience."

"I've learnt that elite performance isn't just about pushing harder - it's about knowing when to adapt."

Why Temperature Matters

For skiers, layering is often about comfort.

For Kareema, it's about performance.

Because POTS affects the body's ability to regulate temperature, even small changes in weather can trigger symptoms.

"I can become heat intolerant or overly cold very quickly, and even small temperature changes can trigger dizziness, fatigue, or a full episode."

Maintaining a stable body temperature allows her to focus on skiing instead of constantly managing symptoms.

It's one of the reasons merino has become such an important part of her training kit.

"I use compression garments where possible, including socks, leggings and long sleeves, to support circulation. Merino wool is also a key part of my kit because it helps regulate temperature while staying breathable."

Combined with hydration, electrolyte management, pacing and careful recovery, every small decision helps Kareema perform at her best.

 

Why Kareema Chooses Kunama The Label

As an athlete who spends countless hours outdoors in changing mountain conditions, Kareema relies on clothing that simply works.

Her favourite Kunama pieces?

"The Half Zip in BonBon and Oceanview, and the Isla Neck Warmer in BonBon."

But it's not just about the colours.

"They mould and contour exactly to my body. The fit is perfect. I don't even feel like I'm wearing anything."

"They're incredibly lightweight and breathable, and my temperature is so regulated that even after a full day of training, I have no or minimal sweat patches, which is unheard of for me."

For Kareema, that's more than comfort.

It's confidence.

"They allow me to focus fully on my skiing rather than worrying about weather or symptom management. When I put them on, it feels like one less thing I need to think about."

Beyond the Slopes

Away from training, Kareema's personality shines just as brightly.

She admits she's known for overpacking, never travels without her "emotional support" Owala water bottle, and loves colourful outfits.

She's also a self-confessed perfume lover.

"My favourites at the moment are 'I Don't Know What' by DS & Durga when I want something fresh, and Elysia Marshmallow when I want to smell delicious."

When she arrives at the snow, the very first thing she does is send a photo home to family and friends.

"The snow is always such a beautiful place."

And when she's not training?

You'll likely find her enjoying a Hugo Spritz with a cheeseboard and olives after a day on the mountain.

Looking Ahead

As the Australian season unfolds, Kareema is focused on continual progress.

With limited snow delaying the start of on-snow training this season, she’s been making the most of the extra time by balancing gym sessions with helping out at Sundance Bakery, her boyfriend’s family’s bakery, while eagerly waiting for more snow to arrive.

Every training session, every recovery day and every run is another step towards her goals.

Her story is a reminder that high performance doesn’t always look the same.

Sometimes it’s about adapting.

Sometimes it’s about resilience.

And sometimes it’s simply about finding the right systems, the right people and the right gear that allow you to perform at your best.

When asked what advice she’d give to young girls dreaming of following a similar path, her answer is simple.

"Nothing is impossible. Never confine yourself or your abilities or compare yourself to others. If you believe you can, you 100% can."

It's a mindset that's carried Kareema this far - and one we're excited to continue cheering on this winter.

Shop Kareema's Winter Picks

Kareema's go-to Kunama pieces include the Kosci Merino Half Zip in BonBon and Oceanview, paired with the Isla Merino Neck Warmer in BonBon. Designed from 100% Australian Merino wool, they're lightweight, breathable and naturally regulate temperature - helping you stay comfortable whether you're chasing first tracks or simply enjoying a day in the mountains.