Chiara Mazzel Wins Gold in Women’s Super-G at Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympics

Chiara Mazzel has claimed gold in the women’s visually impaired super-G at the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games. The 29-year-old from Trentino, representing the Italian Air Force, secured the victory with a time of 1:14.84 alongside her guide, Nicola Cotti Cottini. This marks her second medal of the Games, following a silver in the downhill event. Austria’s Veronika Aigner took silver, while Slovakia’s Alexandra Rexova earned the bronze. Fellow Italian, Martina Vozza, finished fourth.

The win represents the second gold medal for the Italian team at these Paralympics. Likewise on the podium for Italy was Giacomo Bertagnolli, who secured a silver medal in the men’s visually impaired super-G, guided by Andrea Ravelli. The gold in the men’s event was narrowly claimed by Austria’s Aigner, just 16 hundredths of a second ahead of the Italian duo. Canada’s Ericsson rounded out the podium with a bronze medal.

Who is Chiara Mazzel: “I didn’t aim for to start this morning”

Mazzel, originally from San Giovanni di Fassa, is known for her diverse passions beyond skiing, including playing the French horn, painting, and writing. Her visual impairment, diagnosed with glaucoma at the age of eighteen, rapidly progressed, leading to a near-total loss of sight. Throughout her career, Mazzel has amassed an impressive record, including five medals at the World Championships, three of which were gold, achieved at the 2023 Espot edition in downhill, super-G, and combined events. She has reached the podium 18 times in World Cup competitions, securing eight victories, including two in Cortina.

Following her gold medal performance, Mazzel shared her experience: “This gold medal weighs much more than the silver in downhill. I am very happy with how it went, especially due to the fact that this morning during the course inspection, I started with a very strong headache and almost didn’t want to start, because I couldn’t keep my balance. I am very satisfied with how I managed this inconvenience.”

The victory is particularly significant for Mazzel, given the challenges she faced leading up to the race. The unexpected headache threatened her participation, highlighting her resilience, and determination. Her ability to overcome this obstacle and deliver a winning performance underscores her mental fortitude and the strong partnership with her guide, Nicola Cotti Cottini.

Bertagnolli’s silver medal adds to Italy’s growing success in the visually impaired alpine skiing events. The incredibly close finish in the men’s super-G, with Aigner winning by such a narrow margin, demonstrates the high level of competition at the Milan Cortina Paralympics. The Italian team will undoubtedly be looking to build on this momentum as the Games continue.

Mazzel’s achievement is a testament to her dedication and the support of the Italian Paralympic program. Her story resonates beyond the sporting arena, inspiring others to overcome adversity and pursue their dreams. The combination of her athletic prowess, artistic talents, and unwavering spirit makes her a compelling figure in the world of Paralympic sport.

The Italian team’s strong start to the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games positions them as a force to be reckoned with in the alpine skiing events. With several more competitions still to arrive, Italian athletes will be aiming to add to their medal tally and showcase their talent on the world stage.