One Year To Go: Australia Gears Up For Paralympic Winter Games

Courtesy Paralympics Australia

With just one year to go until the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, Australia’s elite winter Para-athletes are leaving nothing to chance to qualify for the pinnacle event of their sport. 

As the countdown clock menaces, and as the nation shifts its focus to the icy peaks of northern Italy, anticipation is growing for what promises to be a spectacular showcase of skill, determination and resilience.  

From high-speed alpine ski racing and intense snowboard battles to precision-driven biathlon events, Australia’s Paralympic Winter Team is ready to take on the world, fuelled by passion, perseverance and the dream of reaching the podium.  

Paralympics Australia is aiming to equal its largest-ever Paralympic Winter Team, with 15 athletes (including two guides) set to compete across four of the six sports on offer.  

Among the athletes leading the Australian charge will be snowboarding sensation Ben Tudhope, who is set to make his fourth Paralympic appearance. Tudhope made history as the youngest-ever Winter Paralympian when he debuted as a 14-year-old at the Sochi 2014 Games. Now an established force on the global stage, he has his sights set on adding to his impressive resume, which includes a bronze medal in Beijing 2022. 

Overseeing the team’s campaign for the first time as Chef de Mission, Ben Troy is determined to create a strong and united team culture despite the logistical challenges presented by the Games. With competition venues spread across multiple locations in the northern Italian Alps, Troy acknowledged that keeping the team connected would require meticulous planning and leadership. 

“Our Winter team exists in an environment that is unique to almost every other sport that Paralympics Australia works with to prepare for a Summer Games. These athletes have worked incredibly hard to get here, often training in isolated conditions. My goal is to bring them together as one cohesive unit, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose,” Troy said. 

Drawing inspiration from the Australian Paralympic Team’s success at past Summer Games under Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin, Troy is working to instil a culture of unity. 

“I want every team member – whether an athlete or a team official – to feel valued and supported in their role. We’re all here to achieve something special and we need to create an environment where everyone can perform at their best.” 

The Milano Cortina Games presents some of the most complex logistical hurdles ever faced at a Winter Paralympics. With venues spread across two distinct alpine regions – Milan and Cortina – travel and coordination are a major focus for Paralympics Australia. 

“Unlike a Summer Games, where almost everyone is based in a central location, our team will be split across different sites, sometimes several hours apart depending on weather conditions,” Troy said.  

“Ensuring that our athletes receive equal levels of support and that our team remains connected despite the distance will be one of our biggest challenges.” 

Paralympics Australia has been liaising with the Games Organising Committee to refine travel and accommodation plans, ensuring athletes have everything they need to focus on their performances. A key part of this preparation is understanding how best to allocate resources and personnel across the two locations to maximise efficiency. 

“We’re leaving no stone unturned in making sure we’ve thought through every scenario. The key will be placing people where they can have the greatest impact, so our athletes can focus solely on competition,” Troy said. 

As the excitement builds towards Milano Cortina, the Chef de Mission is urging Australians to embrace and support their Paralympic Winter Team. 

“Winter Para-sport is something truly special. These athletes do things that are almost unimaginable, whether that be flying down slopes at over 100 km/h in a sit-ski, or navigating courses at top speed as a vision-impaired athlete with only the guidance of their hearing, or competing in biathlon where they must control their heart rate to hit five precision targets after an intense endurance race.” Troy said.  

“The skill, bravery and dedication they all bring to their sport is something to admire.” 

Troy will spend the One Year To Go milestone with Australia’s Para-snowboard team at the World Championships in Big White, Canada.  

“It’s an exciting time. I’ll be on the ground watching Ben Tudhope defend his world title, seeing Sean Pollard push for a return to top form and witnessing Aaron McCarthy make his debut on the biggest stage yet. If we’re lucky, we might even hear the Australian anthem play on the snow again – those moments are rare and incredibly special.” 

While the final team selection is still to come, Australia’s athletes are already proving their potential on the world stage. Tudhope remains a strong contender for a medal, having finished second in this season’s overall World Cup standings. Meanwhile, Sean Pollard is showing promising form, securing top-10 finishes in recent competitions. 

“Ben is right in the mix and anything can happen in snowboard cross. Sean has also been putting together some great performances, and with the right run, he could find himself in the big final chasing a medal.” 

For Aaron McCarthy, this weekend’s World Championship at Big White will be an important event to stake his claim for a Paralympic debut, as he gains experience competing at the highest level. 

“It’s a huge event for Aaron and it will be a great opportunity for him to get a taste of what it’s like to compete on the biggest stage. The lessons he takes from this will be invaluable as he builds towards his Paralympic debut.” 

Paralympics Australia is encouraging fans to follow the journey, support the team and be part of what promises to be an unforgettable Games. 

“These athletes are doing incredible things, and they deserve the backing of the Australian public. We’re not just aiming to compete – we’re aiming to make history. So get behind the team, follow their journey and let’s celebrate their achievements together.” 

The countdown continues. One year to go.