2026 Paralympic Winter Games

The world's best para biathletes will gather in Val di Fiemme to compete for Paralympic podium. Over three intense competition days, 18 sets of medals will be awarded across sitting, standing, and vision impaired categories.

Paralympic Schedule

All times shown in Central European Time (CET)

Paralympic Venue: Val di Fiemme

The Para Biathlon events of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will take place in Val di Fiemme, at the Lago di Tesero Cross-Country Stadium. This renowned venue has hosted major international competitions, including the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in 1991, 2003, and 2013, and regularly welcomes the Tour de Ski and the Marcialonga. Biathlon competitions were also staged there during the 26th Winter Universiade in 2013. Para biathletes already had the opportunity to test the tracks and shooting range during the Paralympic trials held in January 2025.

A wide, scenic view of the snowy Val di Fiemme venue, featuring groomed tracks in the foreground and a village nestled at the foot of mountains under a dramatic, cloudy sky.

Eyes on Gold: Para Biathletes to Watch

Paralympic success is never guaranteed, but some athletes have consistently proven their class on the international stage. Their performances over recent seasons have set them apart as strong contenders for medals in Val di Fiemme. While the Paralympic Games always bring unexpected stories and new heroes, the following para biathletes have shown the skill, composure, and consistency to challenge for the top spots in Milan-Cortina.

WICKER

Anja

GER

Anja Wicker is among the most accomplished and experienced athletes in Para biathlon. The German sit skier claimed Paralympic gold at the Sochi 2014 Games, a milestone that marked the beginning of a remarkable career. Since then, she has collected multiple World Championship medals and several Crystal Globes, consistently establishing herself as one of the sport's leading competitors. Last season she secured a podium finish in every race she started, and now sets her sights on adding a fourth Paralympic medal at Milano-Cortina 2026.

Para biathlete Anja Wicker skis in her sit-ski on a wide, sunlit snow track.

KHAMITOV

Yerbol

KAZ

Yerbol Khamitov has rapidly risen to prominence in para biathlon over the last two seasons. While still gaining experience at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, he has since made remarkable progress and established himself as one of the leading athletes in his category. At the 2025 IBU Para Biathlon World Championships, the Kazakh skier claimed the gold medal in the 12.5km Individual. He closed the season in outstanding form, securing the Crystal Globe and becoming the first athlete from Kazakhstan to achieve this trophy in IBU history.

Para biathlete Yerbol Khamitov in a bright blue suit skis in a low, aerodynamic tuck position on his sit-ski.

GRETSCH

Kendall

USA

Kendall Gretsch is a two-time Paralympic champion in Para biathlon, having claimed gold at both the 2018 PyeongChang and 2022 Beijing Games. The 33-year-old American now aims to secure a third consecutive title. At the 2025 IBU Para Biathlon World Championships in Pokljuka, she captured three gold medals and suffered just a single defeat throughout the entire season. Beyond the winter circuit, Gretsch has also excelled at the Summer Paralympic Games, reaching the triathlon podium with gold in Tokyo 2020 and silver in Paris 2024.

Para biathlete Kendall Gretsch skis with intensity, pushing her sit-ski forward on a sunny track.

PIKE

Aaron

USA

Aaron Pike is preparing for his fourth Paralympic Winter Games. Although a Paralympic medal has so far eluded him, the past four years have marked the most successful period of his career. Overcoming significant health challenges, the American sit skier has become a regular podium contender at the IBU Para Biathlon World Championships, winning the 12.5km Individual in Östersund in 2023 and the 7.5km Sprint in Pokljuka in 2025. Beyond the winter season, Pike is also an accomplished wheelchair racer, having reached the podium at both the Boston and Chicago marathons.

Para biathlete Aaron Pike powers his sit-ski through the snow with his poles.

WILKIE

Natalie

CAN

Natalie Wilkie has emerged as one of the brightest talents in Para Nordic skiing. Initially known for her achievements in cross-country, she became the youngest member of Team Canada at the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, where she won gold, silver, and bronze medals. At Beijing 2022, she added four more Paralympic medals to her collection. In recent years, Wilkie has significantly developed her shooting skills, transforming herself into one of the leading competitors also in para biathlon. Across the past three seasons, she has claimed five individual world titles, establishing her as a dominant force in the biathlon family. At Milano-Cortina 2026, she will be among the contenders for a podium finish in all three events.

Para-biathlete Natalie Wilkie skis with focus on the track while adjusting her large goggles.

ARENDZ

Mark

CAN

Mark Arendz has long been one of the defining figures in Para biathlon. Milano-Cortina 2026 will mark his fifth Paralympic Winter Games, a testament to both his longevity and excellence at the highest level of competition. His Paralympic medal collection includes two gold, three silver, and three bronze, making him one of Canada's most decorated winter Paralympians. At 35, Arendz remains at the forefront of the sport, having secured five World Championship titles over the past three seasons and consistently topping the World Cup Total Score standings. With characteristic precision and determination, he will once again be among the leading contenders for gold in 2026.

Para-biathlete Mark Arendz shouts and pumps his fist in celebration as he crosses a finish line.

WALTER

Leonie Maria

GER

Leonie Walter made a stunning Paralympic debut at Beijing 2022, shortly after her eighteenth birthday. The German vision-impaired skier captured gold in the 10km and added two bronze medals in her remaining events, signalling the arrival of a new star in the sport. Since then, Walter has been a regular on the World Cup podium, and in the 2024/25 season, she secured the Crystal Globe, complemented by two gold medals at the IBU Para Biathlon World Championships in Pokljuka. Alongside teammates Linn Kazmaier and Johanna Recktenwald, she is expected to form a powerful German trio at Milano-Cortina 2026.

Para biathlete Leonie Maria Walter talks with her guide in the finish area after a race.

KAZIK

Oleksandr

UKR

Oleksandr Kazik has dominated para biathlon in recent seasons, establishing himself as one of Ukraine's most successful athletes. The vision-impaired biathlete has won four Paralympic medals at PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022, and claimed eight gold medals at the 2023-2025 World Championships. Kazik finished in the top six positions in the overall World Cup standings in 2024/25, demonstrating his consistent excellence and competitive prowess.

Para biathlete Oleksandr Kazik skis through a snow-covered forest.