Aussie Skier Georgia Gunew Eyes Medal at 2030 Paralympics

Georgia Gunew wrapped up her first Winter Paralympics with her head held high and her eyes fixed firmly on the future.

The 23-year-old vision-impaired skier from Queensland finished 11th in the women's slalom and 10th in giant slalom at the 2026 Games in Italy. What makes these results remarkable is that Gunew only started competitive skiing three years ago.

Gunew lost her vision in her teens due to Stargardt's macular dystrophy, a genetic condition that forced her to give up her dreams of playing field hockey. She was a recreational skier when her grandmother spotted an advertisement for Snow Australia, sparking a complete career pivot.

"She wouldn't believe me if I told her, but she would just be in awe," Gunew said when asked what her younger self would think of her Paralympic journey. The Queensland native joined Australia's national team in 2023 after COVID-19 delays and quickly earned the honor of carrying her country's flag at the opening ceremony.

Alongside her guide Ethan Jackson, Gunew navigated snowy conditions on the Cortina course during her slalom event. She's already planning to expand her program for the 2030 French Alps Games, adding downhill and super-G events to her repertoire.

Why This Inspires

Gunew isn't chasing glory alone. Her physiotherapist is Melissa Perrine, Australia's last para-alpine skiing medallist from the 2018 PyeongChang Games where she won two bronze medals.

"She's up at the start gates there, and it is insane just having a physio that knows everything," Gunew said. Perrine joins Jessica Gallagher as Australia's vision-impaired skiing legends, and Gunew hopes young girls will look up to her the same way she admired them.

The support goes beyond technical expertise. Perrine knows the tiny details that matter, like having a towel ready to wipe down goggles at the starting gate.

Gunew's transformation from recreational skier to Paralympian shows what's possible with determination and the right support system. She's learned how to be a complete athlete, focusing on nutrition, sleep, and all the external factors that create champions.

Four years feels like enough time for major progress, and Gunew is confident she'll make significant leaps forward.