Canada Names 8 Para Alpine Skiers for 2026 Paralympics

Eight exceptional athletes just earned their spot on Team Canada for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics, bringing experience, determination, and a genuine shot at the podium.

The roster includes two returning champions who know what it takes to win. Mollie Jepsen, who will carry three gold medals and three silver into her third Games, won the 2025 super-G Crystal Globe for finishing first overall on the World Cup circuit this season. Alexis Guimond matched that achievement in the men's division, bringing his own bronze medals from the past two Games and a 2025 world championship silver.

But this time feels different for Jepsen. After achieving her lifelong dream of becoming a Paralympic downhill champion in Beijing 2022, she's approaching Milano Cortina with a new mindset. She wants to be present, to soak in the experience, and to appreciate the journey that got her there.

Five of the eight skiers have Paralympic experience, including Kurt Oatway, the 42-year-old who won gold in men's sitting super-G at PyeongChang 2018. He's making his comeback after missing Beijing due to injury.

Three athletes will experience their first Paralympics. Kalle Eriksson, competing in the men's visually impaired category with guide Sierra Smith, shared his excitement about carrying years of hard work onto the world stage. Florence Carrier and the team round out Canada's standing and sitting categories.

Why This Inspires: Para alpine skiing represents Canada's most successful winter Paralympic sport, with 115 medals won since 1976. These eight athletes aren't just chasing personal glory. They're continuing a legacy of excellence while showing that setbacks, injuries, and immense challenges can't stop dedicated people from reaching their goals. Jepsen's shift from pure winning focus to embracing the journey reminds us that success looks different at different stages of life.

Competition begins March 7 at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre in Cortina d'Ampezzo, with events running through March 15. Canada expects to send about 50 athletes total across six sports, with teams already announced for the other five disciplines.

The opening ceremony takes place March 6 at Verona Arena, the same historic venue that hosted the Olympic closing ceremony just weeks earlier. These athletes are ready to make Canada proud.