On March 6, the Paralympics held their opening ceremony for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics where over 600 athletes began their journey of competition over the next nine days.
There are far fewer events in the Paralympics – just six different events:
Para Alpine skiing
Para biathlon
Para cross-country skiing
Para snowboarding
Wheelchair curling
Sled hockey
However, there are several different classifications in each event to ensure parity and fairness among the athletes. For example, the athletes with visual disabilities compete against each other, as do the athletes with mobility issues. Many of the events will be divided into standing, sitting, and visual categories.
In the events that require the use of a guide, the medals are presented to both parties – as a team.
A total of 79 groups of medals will be awarded over the course of The Games.
This year, the International Paralympic Committee is allowing Russian and Belarussian athletes to compete under their own flag and anthem for the first time in many years. This move has brought some protest from other countries who have announced that they would not be marching in the parade of athletes.
The lone athlete from Iran will not be competing since his nation said they could not get him to Italy safely.
In the first full day of competition, 12 of the 79 events have been awarded medals and the Ukraine lead the medal count with three gold and a total of six medals. A total of 16 nations have seen their athletes earn medals including Russia with two bronze medals.
The 2026 Milan Cortina Paralympics Medal Count:
Ukraine – 6
China – 6
Germany – 4
Canada – 3
Austria – 2
USA – 2
France – 2
Italy – 2
Russia – 2
Norway – 1
Switzerland – 1
Sweden – 1
Chechia – 1
Spain – 1
Netherlands – 1
Slovakia – 1