Scott Meenagh has a reputation in the para biathlon world as an athlete who can weather any storm. He refused to give up after losing both legs above the knee in an explosion while serving in Afghanistan, and he persisted when his domestic sports authorities withdrew financial support following the Beijing 2022 Paralympics. Now, with the Milano Cortina Games set for next March, Meenagh aims to cap his career with a podium finish. These aspirations are more than plausible—after all, he already made history as Great Britain’s first para biathlon World Championship medalist.

Biathlonworld: Scott, as a para biathlete often described as a one-person team, what unique challenges do you face in training and competing on your own? Scott Meenagh: As the sole athlete on the squad now, it’s crucial for me to stay connected with various sports communities throughout the long training months. I make an effort to spend time in multi-sport environments whenever possible because that allows me to learn from other disciplines regularly. Above all, I must remain mentally resilient and ensure I put in the necessary hard work. Without teammates or coaches checking on me daily, I’m responsible for maintaining my high standards and ensuring everything gets done.

BW: Given the significant funding cuts to the UK Para Nordic Programme after the Beijing Olympics, how have you adapted your functioning in the sport? SM: I’ve become far more resourceful as an athlete; the same goes for my coaches. After losing the team’s UK Sport funding, we could no longer spend the time on snow we believed was necessary to reach peak performance. We also lost access to dedicated wax and ski-testing support. To navigate these challenges, we formed a partnership with the French team. Our relationship with them is truly special. By sharing resources and operating together as “One Team,” both squads have benefited significantly.

BW: In times of limited resources, what motivates you to push forward and continue excelling in your sport? SM: I decided that my elite sporting career should never be dictated by the decisions of people who don’t fully understand who we are, what we aim to achieve, or appreciate the remarkable things we’ve already done in this challenging sport. I want to be the master of my fate, which is why I’ve always ensured I have more than one source of support. My ultimate goal is to decide when I stop competing—on my own terms.

BW: Could you share how the close-knit nature of the para biathlon community - often seen as one big family - has supported you through these challenges? SM: Biathlon is unlike any other sport. The community is phenomenal, and it’s what I love most about biathlon. The international biathlon family has supported me and my team throughout our entire Nordic journey from our early days, when we were rapidly trying to learn the ropes, to joint training camps with other teams. They also stood by me during the most challenging times, significantly when our team was cut off from funding. This biathlon family is truly unique.

BW: Looking to the future, what changes or improvements would you like to see in the funding and support structure for para Nordic sports in the UK, and how do you believe these changes could influence athletes like yourself? SM: I’d like to see UK Sport recognize athletes in non-traditional events such as biathlon and devote time to understanding what a significant achievement it is for British athletes to be competitive in these disciplines. In the UK, we tend to focus on medals above all else, expecting success in every sport. My motivation comes from knowing that I compete in one of the most challenging events against a deep field of world-class athletes. If decision-makers had a better grasp of these individual journeys, they might redefine what “success” looks like and help pave the way for others. Cutting our funding only three years into the program was short-sighted and devastatingly affected any future talent considering a biathlon path.

BW: At the 2023 World Championships in Oestersund, you won a silver medal in the 12.5km individual race. How did it impact your life? Has it opened new doors and opportunities for you? SM: Winning that medal was incredible. It granted me access to an individual funding package from UK Sport, which will support me through the Milano-Cortina Paralympic Games. I also secured some private sponsorship, ensuring I have the financial stability to train full-time as we gear up for 2026.

BW: Before becoming a para biathlete, were you aware this discipline existed, or did you discover it along your journey? SM: I was introduced to para Nordic skiing during a Paralympic Inspiration Programme in Sochi 2014. When I saw the sport, I felt it was the complete package. After expressing my interest, I was supported by two coaches - both former IBU athletes - whose passion for biathlon and its community was infectious. I haven’t looked back since!

BW: What are your long-term goals in para biathlon? Is success at next year’s Paralympics your ultimate objective, or have you already started thinking about life after the Games? SM: With limited support from UK Sport, it’s unlikely I’ll be able to continue beyond Milano-Cortina. So I’m treating this next year as my “last dance,” my chance to give everything I have in Italy. I also have a young family who will hopefully come to support me, and racing at my best in front of them is my ultimate dream. After Milan-Cortina, I fear my journey may be over, but what an incredible ride it’s been!

Photos: Kacin | IBU, Krystek | IBU