Fitzpatrick & Meenagh to Lead Great Britain at Winter Paralympics 2024

Verona, Italy – Welsh Para-Alpine skier Menna Fitzpatrick and Scottish Para-Nordic skier Scott Meenagh will jointly carry the flag of Great Britain at the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games on Friday. The selection recognizes both athletes’ distinguished careers and their anticipated contributions to the Games.

Fitzpatrick, 27, is already the most decorated British Winter Paralympian, boasting a remarkable six medals across multiple Games. Her participation in the upcoming competition is particularly noteworthy, coming less than three months after sustaining a significant knee injury. The resilience and determination she’s demonstrated in her recovery underscore her commitment to Para sport and serve as an inspiration to her teammates.

Meenagh, 36, is preparing for his third Paralympic appearance, having previously competed in the 2018 and 2022 Games. A former rugby player and veteran of the British Army, his journey to Para Nordic skiing began after being injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) although serving in Afghanistan. He initially found success in Para rowing, even captaining the British Army rowing team at the 2014 Invictus Games, where he secured two silver medals. He transitioned to Nordic skiing in 2016.

The selection of Meenagh is particularly significant following his historic achievement at the 2023 World Para Nordic Skiing Championships. He became the first Briton to win a medal at the event, claiming silver in the 12.5km individual biathlon. This breakthrough performance highlighted his dedication and the growing strength of British Para Nordic skiing.

The opening ceremony will be held in the historic Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheatre in the heart of Verona, Italy. The choice of this iconic venue sets a dramatic stage for the Games, which will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first Winter Paralympics.

Great Britain will be sending a delegation of 25 athletes to Milano Cortina 2026, competing across five sports: Para alpine skiing, Para biathlon, Para cross-country, Para ice hockey, and Para snowboard. This represents a continuation of a proud tradition for British athletes at the Paralympic Winter Games, with the nation having participated in every edition since Ornskoldsvik 1976. Over those 14 consecutive appearances, British athletes have accumulated a total of 40 medals – 3 gold, 14 silver, and 23 bronze.

Fitzpatrick will compete in the vision impaired category, guided by Katie Guest. The pair is returning to the Paralympic stage after Guest underwent an extensive period of rehabilitation following an injury. Neil Simpson, a defending Paralympic champion who secured gold in the men’s super-G VI event and bronze in the men’s super combined VI at Beijing 2022, will also be a key competitor for Great Britain, guided by his brother Andrew Simpson in speed events and Rob Poth in technical disciplines.

Meenagh’s participation in the Para Nordic skiing events will be closely watched, particularly after his strong performance in Beijing 2022, where he achieved his best Paralympic result to date – a sixth-place finish in the 12.5km Individual Biathlon race. His experience and leadership will be invaluable to the British team.

The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games are expected to draw up to 665 athletes from approximately 50 National Paralympic Committees, competing across six sports. The Games, running from March 6th to March 15th, promise to deliver unforgettable moments and showcase the incredible talent and determination of Para athletes from around the world. The event is poised to be one of the most anticipated editions in the history of the Paralympic Winter Games.