Winter Paralympics 2026 Australia: History, Athletes and What to Expect
The Winter Paralympics 2026 are fast approaching and Australia is preparing to compete on the world stage once again. For families across Canberra and the ACT, the Winter Paralympics are more than elite sport — they are a powerful reminder of what's possible when people with disability are supported, included and given opportunities to thrive.
Winter Paralympics 2026 Australia: History, Athletes and What to Expect
The Winter Paralympics 2026 are fast approaching — and Australia is preparing to compete on the world stage once again.
For families across Canberra and the ACT, the Winter Paralympics are more than elite sport. They are a powerful reminder of what's possible when people with disability are supported, included and given opportunities to thrive.
What Are the Winter Paralympics?
The Winter Paralympic Games are an international multi-sport event for athletes with disability, held every four years following the Winter Olympic Games.
The first Winter Paralympics were held in 1976 in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, and have grown significantly since then. Official history and sport information is available via the International Paralympic Committee.
Today, the Games include six sports:
Para-Alpine Skiing
Downhill racing on snow for athletes with physical or vision impairments.
Para-Biathlon
Combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting.
Para Cross-Country Skiing
Distance skiing across varied terrain for athletes with disability.
Para-Snowboarding
High-speed snowboard racing on banked courses.
Para Ice Hockey
Fast-paced team sport played on sledges on ice.
Wheelchair Curling
A precision team sport played on ice from wheelchairs.
Each sport uses classification systems to ensure fair competition across different types of disability.
Australia at the Winter Paralympics: A Proud History
Australia has competed in every Winter Paralympics since 1976. Our first Winter Paralympic medals came in 1992, and since then Australia has developed a strong reputation in alpine skiing and snowboarding in particular.
Australian Winter Paralympians have consistently demonstrated resilience, skill and determination on the world stage. Australia's continued investment in Para winter sport has strengthened athlete pathways and increased participation across multiple disciplines.
You can explore Australia's historical results at Paralympics Australia and Paralympic Results.
Winter Paralympics 2026: Milano Cortina Schedule
Key dates:
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics will take place in Italy from 6 March to 15 March 2026.
Opening Ceremony: 6 March 2026
Competition: 7–14 March 2026
Closing Ceremony: 15 March 2026
The Games are expected to feature:
Around 50 countries
Approximately 665 athletes
79 medal events
Visit the official Games website at Milano Cortina 2026 or the Paralympic Games page.
Australian Winter Paralympic Team 2026
For Milano Cortina 2026, Australia is expected to compete in four Winter Paralympic sports — the most in our history:
Para-Alpine Skiing
Australia's traditional strength in winter Paralympic competition.
Para-Snowboarding
Home to some of Australia's most exciting winter athletes.
Para Cross-Country Skiing
Growing Australian presence in endurance winter events.
Para-Biathlon
Combining skiing and shooting — a new frontier for Australian athletes.
Final team selections are confirmed once athletes meet qualification standards. Team updates are published via Paralympics Australia – Milano Cortina 2026.
Australian Athletes to Watch
Ben Tudhope – Para-Snowboarding
Ben Tudhope is one of Australia's most recognised Winter Paralympians. He debuted at just 14 years old and won bronze at the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics.
Learn more at Ben Tudhope – Paralympics Australia.
Georgia Gunew – Para-Alpine Skiing
Georgia Gunew competes in the vision-impaired alpine category and skis with a guide. She has achieved strong results in international competition and is part of Australia's elite winter squad.
Learn more at Georgia Gunew – Paralympics Australia.
Why Winter Paralympics 2026 Matters for Australian Families
For many guardians, seeing Australians compete at the Winter Paralympics is deeply meaningful.
Belonging in elite sport
People with disability belong on the world stage.
Opportunity leads to achievement
When given the chance, people with disability excel.
Visibility changes perceptions
Representation opens minds and challenges assumptions.
Inclusion benefits everyone
A more inclusive society is a stronger society for all.
Not every person with disability will pursue elite sport — and that's perfectly okay. But representation matters. It opens conversations about independence, confidence and possibility.
Supporting Inclusion Here in Canberra
While the Winter Paralympics take place overseas, inclusion starts locally. Across Canberra and the ACT region, people with intellectual disability are building independence, friendships and confidence every day — through sport, community participation and structured support.
At Focus ACT, we support people with intellectual disability to live the life they choose — whether that includes sport, employment, creative interests or everyday independence. And this includes finding a way to participate in both sport and competition — starting with Capital Region | Special Olympics Australia.
If you'd like to explore support options in Canberra, we're here to help. [Start a conversation with our Client Services Team today](https://focusact.org/contact/).
Photo credit: Australian Paralympic History