The United States will field a roster of 72 athletes, including four guides, for the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics. This contingent represents a significant accumulation of past success, with returning Paralympians boasting a combined 49 gold medals and 78 total medals from previous Games. Notably, 20 of these athletes have secured multiple medals, and 14 have earned multiple gold medals, indicating a seasoned and accomplished group heading to Italy. The competition, featuring 79 medal events across six sports – para alpine skiing, para biathlon, para cross-country skiing, para ice hockey, para snowboard, and wheelchair curling – commences with wheelchair curling on March 4th.
Key Competitors Emerge
Several athletes stand out due to their established track records and recent performances. Declan Farmer, a three-time Paralympic gold medalist and five-time world champion in sled hockey, is a prominent figure. Similarly, Josh Pauls, also a four-time Paralympic gold medalist and seven-time world champion in sled hockey, is expected to be a strong contender.
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In Nordic skiing, Kendall Gretsch is a significant dual threat, having accumulated five Winter Paralympic medals – four in para biathlon and one in para cross-country skiing. She is also a two-time world champion. Oksana Masters, another notable para Nordic skier, has an impressive haul of 19 Paralympic medals across her career in skiing, cycling, and rowing.
Para snowboarders to watch include Zach Miller, who is aiming for his first Paralympic medal in Milan Cortina after achieving a podium finish in every World Cup event this season. Noah Elliott, who has enjoyed an undefeated season in para snowboarding, securing two crystal globes, is also a key athlete to track.
Para alpine skier Audrey Crowley, entering her first Paralympics, has cited Mikaela Shiffrin as her inspiration and will compete in all five disciplines.
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Notable Returns and Debuts
The roster includes athletes with extensive Paralympic histories. Aaron Pike, a para Nordic skier, has participated in seven Paralympics, while para alpine skier Laurie Stephens is the only athlete to have competed in five Paralympics, securing five Paralympic medals. Kendall Gretsch will also be returning, having previously won seven Paralympic medals, including four golds.
Several athletes are set to make their Paralympic debuts in Milan Cortina. These include wheelchair curlers Laura Dwyer, Sean O'Neill, Daniel Rose, and Kathleen Verderber.
The Broader Landscape
The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee's officially announced 72-member roster comprises 68 athletes and four guides. This selection marks the first time the Games will be held 50 years after the inaugural Paralympics in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden, promising 11 days of competition. The roster includes a diverse range of athletes from various states, with significant representation in para alpine skiing and sled hockey.