Great Britain has announced its flagbearers for the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, with decorated Para alpine skier Menna Fitzpatrick and Nordic skier Scott Meenagh chosen for the honour.
Fitzpatrick, who holds the distinction of being ParalympicsGB’s most successful winter Paralympian with six medals, will share the role with Meenagh, who is set to compete in his third Games.
Both athletes were selected by their fellow ParalympicsGB team-mates, a testament to their standing within the squad.
However, neither will be present at the opening ceremony in Verona on 6 March, as they are scheduled to compete the following day.
Fitzpatrick expressed her excitement, stating: “I’m super excited, I still can’t believe I’ve made it to Cortina and so this is an extra cherry on top. My family have supported me throughout this whole journey so I’m doing it for them as well.”
Meenagh added: “It’s remarkable. I try really hard every day to represent my sport, myself and my country in the best way I can; I try to do that in my behaviour and express that in my performance, so now to have that little bit of recognition – I’m a bit speechless.”
The Paralympics officially commence on 6 March, with ParalympicsGB sending a 25-strong contingent to Italy to compete across Para alpine skiing, Para Nordic skiing, Para snowboard, and wheelchair curling events.
Great Britain will be aiming to build on an impressive Winter Olympics that saw the nation pick up five medals, including three golds.
Skeleton racer Matt Weston was the star performer of the Games as he won two gold medals, one in the individual event, followed by another in the mixed event alongside Tabby Stoecker.
GB also won a gold medal in the snowboard cross mixed event thanks to Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale, while the men’s curling team came home with a silver medal and Zoe Atkin won a bronze medal in the women’s halfpipe skiing.
