Team USA Sends 32 Para Athletes to 2026 Paralympics

Team USA just got bigger, and the talent heading to Italy is remarkable.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard nominated 32 adaptive athletes to compete at the 2026 Milano Cortina Paralympic Winter Games starting March 6. The roster mixes seasoned champions with fresh faces, creating a powerhouse team that has every reason to celebrate before the competition even begins.

Brenna Huckaby leads the snowboard squad into her third Paralympic Games. She's the most decorated Para snowboarder in the world and defending gold medalist in banked slalom. Joining her are veterans Noah Elliott, Mike Schultz, and Keith Gabel, all bringing home multiple medals from past Games.

The alpine skiing team features incredible dedication. Laurie Stephens will compete in her sixth Paralympic Games, while Andrew Kurka returns for his fourth. Both are Paralympic champions who've proven their excellence on the world stage time and again.

But the real excitement comes from the newcomers. Fourteen athletes will experience their first Paralympic Games, bringing energy and determination that took years to build. Kate Delson finished second at last season's Para snowboard World Championships in her debut competition. Kelsey O'Driscoll and Audrey Crowley landed on World Cup podiums multiple times this season, showing they belong among the best.

The U.S. enters the Games holding both men's and women's Nations Cups in Para snowboard. That makes them the best Para snowboard team in the world right now, not just strong contenders.

The Ripple Effect

These athletes represent something bigger than medals. Each person on this roster overcame barriers that would stop most people cold, then trained relentlessly to become world-class competitors. Their presence at the Paralympics shows millions of people with disabilities what's possible when support systems work and determination meets opportunity.

The 2026 Games mark the first Paralympics since Para alpine and Para snowboard reintegrated within U.S. Ski & Snowboard. That organizational unity means better resources, stronger support, and more opportunities for athletes who deserve every advantage.

Sophie Goldschmidt, U.S. Ski & Snowboard President, captured the moment perfectly: "Between experienced veterans and exciting newcomers, I cannot wait to see what we can accomplish in Cortina."

The world will be watching when these 32 athletes take to the slopes in Italy, and America has every reason to cheer.