Summary
The 2026 Winter Paralympics have begun in Milan Cortina with over 600 athletes competing in six sports. These sports include Para alpine skiing, Para biathlon, Para cross-country skiing, Para ice hockey, Para snowboard, and wheelchair curling. Athletes compete using adaptive equipment and are divided into categories based on their abilities.
Key Facts
- The Winter Paralympics started with an opening ceremony in Verona, Italy.
- Over 600 Para athletes are competing, with 79 sets of medals available.
- The event features a record number of athletes and medals.
- Competitions are held in six sports: Para alpine skiing, Para biathlon, Para cross-country skiing, Para ice hockey, Para snowboard, and wheelchair curling.
- In skiing sports, athletes compete in standing, sitting, or vision impaired categories, using specialized equipment like sit-skis or monoskis.
- Para alpine skiing includes five events: slalom, giant slalom, super-G, downhill, and super combined.
- Para biathlon combines cross-country skiing and target shooting, with time penalties for missed shots.
- Para cross-country skiing includes events such as sprints and relays, with courses tailored to the athletes' needs.
