News & Features

Looking Forward to the Winter Paralympics

Posted in News on Friday, March 6th, 2026

As the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games approach begin anticipation is building for one of the most compelling editions of the Paralympic Winter Games yet. A record field of athletes from over 50 nations will descend on Italy’s snowy slopes and rinks, and among them are 25 competitors representing Great Britain Each looking to make their mark on the world stage.

Menna Fitzpatrick – Visually Impaired Para Alpine Skiing

At the heart of ParalympicsGB’s medal hopes is Menna Fitzpatrick, Britain’s most decorated Winter Paralympian. The visually impaired Para alpine skier, alongside guide Katie Guest, returns for her third Paralympic Games after a strong career which includes six medals from previous competitions. Despite facing injury setbacks in recent seasons, Fitzpatrick is expected to be a major contender in multiple alpine events.

Neil Simpson – Speed and Experience in Alpine

Another name British fans will know well is Neil Simpson, who has already stood atop the Paralympic podium with gold and bronze medals at Beijing 2022. Guided by his brother Andrew Simpson and Rob Poth, he brings both experience and speed to the alpine team.

Trailblazers in Snowboarding

Team GB’s snowboarding squad blends experience with history-making firsts:

Nina Sparks is poised to become Great Britain’s first female Para snowboarder at a Winter Paralympics, bringing speed and style to events like banked slalom.

Davy Zyw & Matt Hamilton are adding depth and dynamism to the squad. Sparks and Zyw’s presence also highlights how Para sport continues to diversify, with Zyw set to become the first snowsport athlete with Motor Neurone Disease to compete at the Paralympic Winter Games.

Young Stars: The Next Generation

This year’s Paralympics also bring some youthful promise:

Sam Cozens (19) and Hester Poole (18) are among several teenage debutants in alpine skiing, spotlighting the strong pipeline coming through British snowsport.

Dom Allen (16), competing in standing alpine events, represents the new wave of athletes gaining valuable experience on the world stage.

Wheelchair Curling: Jo Butterfield’s Golden Ambition

In wheelchair curling, Jo Butterfield adds a fascinating narrative ahead of the Games. Already a Paralympic champion in athletics at Rio 2016, Butterfield has transitioned to winter sport and is bidding to create history by becoming the first Brit to win Paralympic gold at both Summer and Winter Games.

Other Key Figures

Scott Meenagh continues to push boundaries in Nordic skiing, having scored historic World Championship success for Britain.

The wheelchair curling team and snowboarding pairs add strength and depth to Great Britain’s overall squad.

How to Watch in the UK

British viewers can catch extensive coverage of the Winter Paralympics on Channel 4, with live events and highlights showcasing Team GB’s performances throughout the nine days of competition.

Final Thoughts

From seasoned Paralympic champions to inspiring debutants making national history, Milano Cortina 2026 promises to be a memorable campaign for ParalympicsGB. Whether it’s the blistering speed of alpine skis, the daring lines of snowboard courses or the strategic intensity of wheelchair curling, Team GB athletes are ready to light up the Paralympic stage.

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