Winter Paralympics: Six Sports, Big Stories
Minneapolis, MN, USAFri Mar 06 2026
The 2026 Winter Paralympics begin in Milan and Cortina, drawing more than 600 athletes who will vie for 79 medals across six events. These games bring a mix of speed, skill and teamwork that showcases the resilience of athletes with diverse abilities.
Para alpine skiing is a highlight, featuring five races such as slalom and downhill. Athletes compete standing, sitting on special monoski seats or with vision impairment guides who also earn medals. The same track used for the Olympic women’s races will host these thrilling contests.
In para biathlon, competitors combine cross‑country skiing with precision shooting. They race 7. 5 km sprints or longer distances, stopping to hit targets; missed shots add time penalties or extra loops. Coaches help athletes with upper‑limb impairments, while those who cannot see rely on acoustic cues.
Para cross‑country skiing offers sprint and long‑distance races for men, women and mixed teams. Sitting athletes use sit‑skis that glide on two skis; standing competitors push themselves with poles. The event includes relays where teams can mix athletes from different categories.
Para ice hockey brings a fast‑paced, mixed‑gender sport to the arena. Players sit on sledges and use two sticks—one for speed, one for puck control. The U. S. team aims to win a third consecutive title, while only a few women have ever played at the Paralympics.
Para snowboard showcases banked slalom and cross races. Men compete in lower‑limb or upper‑limb categories, while women race only lower‑limb. Participants use prosthetics or adapted boards to navigate the course, with the best times or fastest finishes deciding winners.
Wheelchair curling celebrates its 20th year. Teams throw stones from a wheelchair, with or without a teammate holding the chair steady. Matches have eight ends and no sweeping, adding a strategic twist to this inclusive sport.
These events together demonstrate that the Paralympics are not just about competition—they’re a celebration of adaptation, teamwork and the human spirit.
