Para Alpine skiing
Andrew Kurka
Andrew Kurka is a two-time Paralympic medalist, winning gold and securing silver in 2018 and adding a 4th-place finish in 2022 despite breaking his arm, thumb, and nose during a practice run. He previously had qualified for the 2014 Paralympics but was unable to compete after breaking his back in a training crash. A six-time world championship medalist (one gold, one silver, four bronze), and one of the strongest in his field, Kurka is known for his resilience, repeatedly battling back from major injuries as he pushes toward another Paralympic run in 2026.
Anna-Lena Forster
Germany’s Anna‑Lena Forster is one of the most decorated and consistent sit-skiers in para Alpine skiing — a nine-time Paralympic and multi-world championship medalist whose career has spanned more than a decade. She made her Paralympic debut at the 2014 Winter Paralympics in Sochi, where she captured two silver medals and one bronze. At the 2018 Winter Paralympics she took gold twice. She carried that momentum into the 2022 Paralympics, where she added two golds and two silvers to her Paralympic tally. She has stood on top of the podium at over 40 world championships and World Cup events.
Laurie Stephens
Laurie Stephens is a five-time Paralympian and seven-time Paralympic medalist and one of the most accomplished athletes in U.S. para Alpine history. She made a stunning Paralympic debut at Torino 2006, winning gold in the downhill and super-G, along with silver in giant slalom, instantly establishing herself as one of the sport’s dominant speed skiers. She claimed a bronze at Vancouver 2010, and added two more Paralympic bronzes at the 2014 Sochi Games. She consistently finishes on the podium in downhill, super-G, giant slalom, and slalom events, and has amassed dozens of world championships and World Cup wins and top-three finishes throughout her career. Her longevity and range — remaining competitive in both speed and technical disciplines — have made her a cornerstone of the U.S. para Alpine Ski Team for years.
Giacomo Bertagnolli
Giacomo Bertagnolli is a standout Italian para-Alpine skier in the visually impaired category whose medal record makes him a strong home nation candidate at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games. During his Paralympic debut in PyeongChang 2018 he obtained two golds (slalom, giant slalom), a silver (super-G) and a bronze (downhill). Four years later in Beijing 2022, he added two more golds and two silvers to his tally, bringing his overall count to eight Paralympic medals. He has compiled a remarkable competitive record, amassing more than 70 World Cup podiums along with seven discipline titles and a haul of 15 world championship medals.
