Parsons described it as “disappointing” that the Ukrainian National Paralympic Committee, along with some other national committees, tried to shift focus away from sport.

“I think that, in the end, even the other national Paralympic committees responded very well by focusing on sport. I understand it, but it is disappointing to a certain extent,” he said.

He also stated that he empathized with Ukraine, saying he was “super empathetic” to the situation and could “only try to imagine the horror” caused by the ongoing war. However, as a sports association, he emphasized, it is the responsibility of the IPC to ensure that the regulations are observed, even in the face of political pressure.

“Yes, I think there was an attempt to always take the focus from sport,” Parsons said. “And I think at the end, even the other national Paralympic committees responded really well, focusing on sports. I understand, but it is disappointing to some extent.”

Parsons’ comments directly echo a longstanding position held by the International Olympic Committee.

IPC President Andrew Parsons says he was “disappointed” by what he described as the politicisation of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics by Ukraine.

He acknowledged the challenges created by the war but said the focus should remain on sport.

: Getty Images… pic.twitter.com/5yCtjkJxFJ

— insidethegames (@insidethegames) March 16, 2026

Past IOC leaders, such as Thomas Bach, have reiterated several times that sport should not be a referee in political conflicts. Bach contended that any form of politics determining who competes defeats the point of sport:

“If politics decides who can take part in a competition, then sport and athletes become tools of politics. It is then impossible for sport to transfer its uniting powers,” Bach said. “We must be politically neutral but not apolitical… But we should not make the mistake of raising ourselves to be referees of political disputes because we will be crushed by these political powers.”

His words support the argument of Parsons: despite the conflict between nations on the podium, the Games should be about the athletes on the podium.

This principle was put into practice in the 2026 Winter Olympics, when Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych tried to wear his own specially made helmet inscribed with the Ukrainian athlete and children ki**ed since the Russian invasion – a “helmet of memory.” Since he was unwilling to take it off, the IOC took him off the skeleton race and temporarily revoked his accreditation to the Games.

Although his accreditation was later restored, he was still barred from competing. The incidence reflected the IOC philosophy of ensuring that politics is kept out of sport is one that is close to what Parsons said. However, that philosophy was again tested by the 2026 Winter Paralympics very soon.

The Paralympics tested by Russia and Belarus’ return

It was the first time since 2014 that the Russian and Belarusian representatives were back in the 2026 Winter Paralympics with their own symbols and participated in events like cross-country skiing, para-snowboarding, and alpine skiing. But the action was not auguring well with everyone.

Even several European countries joined Ukraine in solidarity, including the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, refusing to send delegations to the opening ceremony. France, Australia, Germany, Croatia, and others also expressed some form of protest. Even the European Commissioner for Sport skipped the ceremony to make a statement.

Fans and broadcasters got involved, too. Poland’s public TV refused to show Russian and Belarusian athletes during the ceremony, instead displaying messages of solidarity with Ukraine. Tension was apparent on the podiums and slopes: German and Czech medalists were willing to turn their backs on the Russian gold winners, showing now just how polarizing the decision had become.

Fundamentally, the controversy evidences the conflict between sport and politics. To accept Russia and Belarus back under their flags was not only a procedural decision but sparked off tensions once again; it was a challenge to the neutrality of the Paralympic community.

The problems of balancing rules, fairness, and politics in real time were a difficult and very visible challenge in the case of the IPC and IOC.

The post IPC President Echoes IOC Issues With Ukrainian Athletes After Opening and Closing Ceremony Boycott appeared first on EssentiallySports.

During a recent segment for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, CBC Sports digital host and Paralympian Allison Lang, who won bronze in sitting volleyball at Paris 2024, addressed the mixed-gender status of Para ice hockey. “This is a mixed-gender event,” Lang said, “both men and women can play to represent their nation.”

Lang then asked Shireen Ahmed, the Canadian writer, sports activist, and award-winning public speaker, why no women’s Para ice hockey teams currently compete at the Paralympics. Ahmed explained that women’s para hockey is not part of the Paralympic program at all. While the sport is labeled mixed-gender, not every team fields a woman. Canada, for example, has none on its Paralympic roster.

“And I think that’s important to recognize, because it’s almost a way of it’s not a loophole, I don’t know if I would say that but it’s not a way of actually addressing the need for having women’s para hockey there.”

Women’s Para ice hockey is yet to be included in the Paralympics, but there is a possibility for that in Paris 2030. However, the journey to get there is not easy. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) demands that for a sport to be included, it must have a minimum of eight national teams that have competed in at least two Women’s World Championships.

As of now, only one championship has been conducted in 2025, with Buchanan’s side winning silver. But the second championship, which is crucial for the qualification, does not have a host yet for 2026. Moreover, there are not yet eight fully competitive national teams in the world. Without these steps, a Women’s Para Ice Hockey event cannot be added to Paris 2030.

'We deserve more:' Para women’s ice hockey still NOT represented in the Paralympics@_shireenahmed_ & women's Para hockey world silver medallist Claire Buchanan discuss the double-standard for men and women in para ice hockey at the Paralympic-levelhttps://t.co/NzjQJISpuw pic.twitter.com/yVjTyAjtJM

— CBC Sports (@cbcsports) March 13, 2026

Speaking from experience, Buchanan described the challenges female Para athletes face: “And a female para athlete is you can’t just show up and be an athlete and train and compete. You have all these other things you have to push for, and it’s exhausting. And we’ve had athletes actually step away from women’s para hockey because of it.  And so we’re losing athletes to other sports. We don’t have the funding, and we don’t have the structure for it to actually be sustainable.”

She added, “Exposure is growing, and World Championships like last year are huge for that, but then again…we don’t have anyone holding their hand up to say hey, we want to host 2026.” 

Historically, only three women have ever competed in Para ice hockey at the Winter Paralympics: Britt Mjaasund Oyen, Lena Schroder, and Yu Jing. For decades, women made up less than 1 percent of the global player base, though recent development efforts have raised that to around 20 percent. Still, progress is early, and meaningful inclusion remains a work in progress.

Even as things are slowly changing and the progress is limited, Claire Buchanan sees it as a step forward, but she’s far from happy with being given just the “bare minimum.”

Claire Buchanan slams Paralympics’ Para hockey gender gap as USA faces Canada for gold

Well, the Para ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Paralympics is set: Team USA and Team Canada will face off on March 15. Both teams battled their way to the semifinals, with the USA, who were led by the veteran Declan Farmer, beating Czechia 6‑1 and Canada defeating China 4-2, to secure a spot in the final. It will be the third gold medal showdown between the two heavyweights during the Paralympics.

However, during the excitement, women are still mostly absent from the Paralympic ice hockey field. Only one woman, Akari Fukunishi of Japan, saw ice time in the mixed tournament, and that was in her team’s final game. For athletes like Claire Buchanan, a world silver medalist, the lack of a dedicated women’s event is a bitter reality.

She wanted to be part of the Paralympic tournament herself, saying, “If women’s Para hockey was in the Paralympics, I’d be going into my third Paralympic cycle right now.” But at the same time, Buchanan celebrates Fukunishi’s achievement, but she doesn’t hold back her frustration:

“There is a female that competed at the para hockey tournament this year with Team Japan. And yes, she got ice time in the very last game that Japan played in. And then I heard, oh, well, it’s better than nothing. I’m tired of that rhetoric. I’m tired of hearing that. We need more. We deserve more. And the bare minimum is not acceptable anymore.”

These are the underlying struggles that female Para athletes are exposed to, she explained: “We have constantly heard this rhetoric of, well, when you get here, then we’ll support you. But we can’t get there without support… and expecting us to be happy about it.”

While Fukunishi’s appearance is a step forward, Buchanan’s words show the ongoing struggle: women still have no medal of their own, minimal representation on national teams, and limited recognition.

The post World Medalist Raises Awareness on Sidelined Women Amid Paralympics Ice Hockey Gold Medal appeared first on EssentiallySports.

“There are no men’s and women’s events like at the Olympics, so female athletes are selected alongside male athletes. This has historically led to more men being chosen. Out of 135 ice hockey players currently competing in Italy, only one is a woman,” shared the BBC on X. Sure, Para ice hockey is technically a mixed-gender sport, but in practice, mixed does not mean equal.

In the Milan Paralympics, only two teams, Japan and Slovakia, feature a female player, and women remain a very small presence in the field. Even Kelsey DiClaudio, a world champion and one of the best female para ice hockey players, could not compete. Mixed-gender formats in themselves have not been sufficient to guarantee equitable representation.

The issue is historical in nature. Of the 32 years that para ice hockey has been a part of the Paralympics, only four women have ever competed, though there is an optional 18th spot on the squad, which is designated to a woman. This year, Akari Fukunishi of Team Japan was the only woman among 135 participants.

Why are so few of the athletes at the Winter Paralympics female? pic.twitter.com/AIb9eWrHGk

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 12, 2026

The IPC has, however, always indicated a desire to have gender parity. The Summer Games are much closer to balance, with 44.7% female athletes in Paris 2024, but at the Milan Paralympics, women account for just 26.1%. So, yes, introducing standalone women’s events is not simple: a sport must meet several criteria, including multiple World Championships, representation from at least eight national teams across three regions, and sustained participation.

However, Women’s para ice hockey has not yet reached these benchmarks, which means a separate tournament is likely several Paralympics away, possibly 2030 or 2034. But the gender challenge is not limited to ice hockey alone.

The Wider Struggle for Women at the Milan Paralympics

The challenge of female representation at the Milan Paralympics 2026 goes far beyond para ice hockey.

As the BBC noted, “It’s similar in wheelchair curling. In the mixed team event, only one of the team of four needs to be female, and in para snowboard, men have had three times as many events as women. There is a newly added mixed doubles event in wheelchair curling though, where teams are made up of one man and one woman, and this has increased female participation in the sport this year.” Sure, mixed formats help, but they also expose the limits women face.

However, wheelchair curling has one of the highest female participation rates. As with mixed doubles, female representation increased from 33% in Beijing 2022 to 38% in the Milan Paralympics. Yet participation alone does not solve structural inequality; so in other sports, mixed-gender participation still limits the overall development of women.

The gap is also stark in the Milan Paralympics para snowboarding. Men compete in six medal events compared with just two for women. Still, athletes like Cecile Hernandez and Kate Delson show that women can thrive even when opportunities are scarce. But if women can succeed under these conditions, why are there still so few chances for them?

Dr. Nikolaus, Dean of the University of British Columbia, analyzed wheelchair rugby, curling, para ice hockey, and para equestrian. In 2023, he concluded that “in practice, these sports provide little to no opportunity for women to get involved in the wider Paralympic movement.”

Even IPC President Andrew Parsons acknowledged that gender parity “is not happening fast enough.” But emphasized that the direction is clear: “Once we are able to have a female tournament in para ice hockey this will help a lot to fill the gap.” Nevertheless… the standalone events timeline is years away!

So to make standalone women’s events a reality, there have to be sufficient competitive athletes, representing sufficient countries, in order to maintain a meaningful tournament. What’s your take on this? Share it with us in the comments below. 

The post Gender Controversy Raise Concerns at Milan Paralympics Thanks to Mixed Events appeared first on EssentiallySports.

On a recent episode of My New Favorite Paralympian with Adam Rippon, he described the moment he learned he had made the roster.

“You know, not just a dream come true, but a surreal experience for sure. You get the call from your general manager saying you make the roster. You’re kind of just overwhelmed, you kind of just like realize, oh my gosh, like what, you know, am I dreaming, you know, in a way?” Jen Lee said.

The excitement was amplified by the knowledge that his hard work, perseverance, and experience had earned him another shot at representing his country on the world stage.

For more than a decade, Jen Lee has been a steady presence in the U.S. sled hockey program. He made his Paralympic debut at Sochi 2014 as backup to legendary goalie Steve Cash, helping bring home gold, and repeated the feat in PyeongChang 2018 in the same role.

By Beijing 2022, Lee had taken over as starting goaltender, leading Team USA to another gold medal. But for him, the journey has always been about more than winning.

Before hockey, Lee served as an aircraft mechanic in the U.S. Army for over ten years, retiring in 2015 as a staff sergeant after a medical discharge. He often credits that experience for shaping how he approaches both sport and life today.

Jen Lee served in the U.S. Army and is now representing his country as Team USA’s sled hockey goalie. #MyNewFavoriteParalympian with @AdamRippon, available now wherever you listen to podcasts. pic.twitter.com/hqoNfm0tUa

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) March 5, 2026

“Growing up, you know, I understand playing in a sub-team sport, but I didn’t really understand the dynamic of like what it is to be selfless, what it is to be, you know, be a good team player, and everything that little things you do to, you know, help your team succeed,” Jen Lee explained.

“The military pretty much ingrained that in you. You can’t do this by yourself. Your brother and your sister in arms next to you,  they relied on you and relied on them, you know. The camaraderie really helped me understand what it takes to get the mission done, or get the objective done as a team, not as an individual. You got to enjoy not just the winning side of it, but also the losing side, the pain and the hurt and the struggle.”

Interestingly, he also made history as one of the first active-duty soldiers selected for a U.S. Paralympic winter sports team in the 2014 Winter Paralympics. Now, as the 2026 Winter Paralympics approach, Lee is focused on keeping Team USA’s gold medal streak alive.

As recently as the 2026 Winter Olympics, Team USA swept gold in both the men’s and women’s ice hockey tournaments. Now attention shifts to para ice hockey, where the Americans hope to win the last hockey game. Interestingly, Jen Lee, representing the U.S might never have found his way to the sport if a life-changing accident had not pushed him toward the ice.

The crash that led Jen Lee from the army to Paralympic Ice Hockey

Born in Taiwan, Jen Lee moved to the United States and was raised in San Francisco. Like many kids, he spent his childhood playing with G.I. Joe toys and watching war movies. But the feeling of wanting to serve became real during his teenage years. When the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, shook the United States. Watching the country come together in that moment left a lasting impact on him.

So, Lee joined the United States Army and began working as a helicopter and aircraft mechanic.  For several years that was how he represented the United States. In March 2009, however, things changed.

At the time, Jen Lee was serving in the Army and stationed at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah. One afternoon he went for a motorcycle ride with fellow soldiers along Interstate 95 near Jacksonville, Florida, heading back to base. As he was riding in the right lane, a middle-lane car swerved over without noticing him.

The driver tried to correct it but lost control, and the vehicle fishtailed into Lee’s motorcycle, throwing him onto the road. Despite the violent crash, Lee remained conscious and immediately understood how serious the injury was.

“I was definitely conscious, so I knew that I wasn’t dying,” Jen Lee said of the moment.  And doctors later had to amputate it above the knee to save his life.

But then, for recovery, Lee was transferred to Brooke Army Medical Center. So, as a part of therapy, doctors encouraged patients to try adaptive sports.

One of those activities he tried was sled hockey. Jen Lee first tried the sport in 2009. Within months, he was taking the sport seriously, and not long after, he earned a place on the U.S. national sled hockey team.

Sure, the motorcycle crash changed the direction of his life in a way he never expected. It ended his ability to serve in the same role in the Army. But it also opened a completely new path- ice hockey. That led him to become a three-time Paralympic gold medalist for Team USA.

The post Veteran Turned Paralympian on Representing USA to Continue Dominant Gold Run appeared first on EssentiallySports.

The number of nations joining the boycott had risen to eight by the end of February. These countries have stated they will not attend the opening ceremony if the Russian and Belarusian anthems are played. Germany, Croatia, and Lithuania are the latest to join the group.

In a statement, the German Disabled Sports Association (DBS) expressed concern over the decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the 2026 Winter Paralympics.

“The resolution passed by the IPC General Assembly in September 2025 and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling explicitly did not include any obligation to award starting places to these nations,” reads the statement. “The IPC’s decision poses a particular challenge to the Paralympic Movement.”

Ukraine says 11 nations will skip the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics in protest over Russian and Belarusian national symbols.

The boycott follows a decision by the International Paralympic Committee to allow their display.

: Getty Images… pic.twitter.com/LYi9iO6VT6

— insidethegames (@insidethegames) March 4, 2026

Amongst the teams, Germany’s Paralympic team will not join the physical march at the opening ceremony in Verona, the German Disabled Sports Association (DBS) confirmed. The announcement comes after the International Paralympic Committee’s General Assembly and subsequent CAS decisions concerning the eligibility of Russian and Belarusian athletes.

Instead, German athletes will feature in pre-recorded segments — a move the DBS described as a sign of respect toward the Ukrainian delegation while ensuring the team’s presence remains part of the ceremony.

“For the DBS, the perspectives of its athletes have the highest priority,” the association stated, adding that the values of the Paralympic movement, courage, determination, and peace, must be upheld during such “challenging times.”

They join Croatia and Lithuania among the latest countries not participating in the march, alongside Canada, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, the Netherlands, Poland, and Ukraine.

Polish broadcaster TVP takes a stance during the 2026 Winter Paralympics

The 11 countries aren’t the only ones taking a stance as Telewizja Polska (TVP) have joined them. The Polish public broadcaster announced, via a statement, that they won’t broadcast Russian and Belarusian athletes during the opening ceremony. The broadcaster, as per the statement, is doing it in solidarity with Ukraine after the IOC allowed them to compete under their national flags.

As per Sport.tvp.pl, the broadcast will be cut when Russian and Belarusian athletes enter the stadium. Instead, the broadcast will be replaced with a screen that reads “Solidarity with Ukraine.” The Polish Paralympic Committee has supported the broadcaster’s decision to do so.

“We received with surprise the decision of the International Paralympic Committee to allow Russians and Belarusians to represent their countries at the upcoming Winter Paralympic Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo,” reads the statement. “We view this choice as a troubling sign of the erosion of responsibility of Russia and Belarus for the crimes committed on the territory of Ukraine, and this is something we cannot and will never accept.”

The TVP isn’t the only broadcaster doing the same, as Lithuanian National Radio and Television announced that they would be doing something similar. However, despite the pressure from the nations, the IPC hasn’t changed its decision. The opening ceremony is unlikely to resolve the dispute.

The post IOC Faces Boycotts From 11 Nations at Opening Ceremony Over Russia Decision appeared first on EssentiallySports.

However, despite that, the now 44-year-old has earned rave reviews from Instagram creator Alex Parra. In his series on several athletes participating at the 2026 Paralympics, Parra raved about Schultz. He called him one of the “coolest athletes” at the tournament. An amputee himself, Para also touched upon Schultz’s background and his accident in his deep dive video on the American.

“He (Mike Schultz) has a background in engineering, and six years after losing his leg, he became a Paralympian,” Parra said in the video. “2014 was the first year para-snowboarding was even allowed in the Paralympics, and since then, he has won gold in 2018 and silver in 2022.”

Less than a year after his 2008 accident, Mike Schultz debuted his custom “Moto Knee” prosthetic at the 2009 ESPN Summer X Games Adaptive Super-X, where he finished second, marking his triumphant return to action sports. Building on that momentum, he continued competing and refining his designs before representing Team USA at the 2018 Paralympics.

 

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A post shared by Alex Parra (@alex1leg)

So much so that he eventually qualified for Team USA and served as their flag-bearer in the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Paralympics. That paved the way for him to win a gold and silver medal. Schultz then picked up a silver medal in the 2022 Paralympics and now believes he can add to that collection in Milan.

“Of course, I expect to be on the podium,” Schultz said, as per NBC Sports, “That’s what I’m driving for. That’s what my goals are, but it’s not just performance this time around. My career has a timeline on it, and I really want to soak it all in and make the most of it, no matter how the performance goes.”

However, while his work on the board has given Mike Schultz a platform, it’s his work off the board that has truly made him a household name.

Mike Schultz is taking BioDapt to new levels post-Paralympics retirement

That is exactly what Alex Parra highlighted in his feature of Mike Schultz. That beyond the impressive athlete lies an even more impressive creator. After his accident and amputation, Schultz created and designed a sports prosthetic. He then realized others were looking for something similar and founded BioDapt in 2010.

Now, 90% of the top Paralympic lower-limb snowboard athletes use Schultz’s designs. That especially includes everyone currently competing for Team USA and many of his competitors. Not only that, he has since expanded beyond extreme athletes to amputees and veterans as well.

“I’ve always had two sides to my career – competing and building,” Schultz said as per Today’s Medical Development. “For years, I’ve pushed myself to be the best athlete I could be, while spending countless hours refining the gear that makes that performance possible. As I step away from competition, I’m excited to take everything I’ve learned and apply it to helping the next generation of athletes go even further.”

However, for the moment, Mike Schultz’s focus is on the 2026 Paralympics, where he will compete in snowboarding boardercross and snowboarding banked slalom. The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games will open on March 6 and will run for nine days, with the closing ceremony on March 15.

The post American Gold Medalist Who Helps Paralympic Snowboarders Enters His Last Run appeared first on EssentiallySports.

He met a 5-year-old boy named Joel, who was present in the stands during the indoor competition. He was also a double amputee, just like Hunter, and didn’t have shinbones or bones in his feet. Both Hunter and Tara soon met up with the boy and then brought him down to the track. The two also showed off their pair of prosthetic running legs to each other. Joel looked overwhelmed already, but his idol still had a big surprise waiting for him.

With officials announcing a 30-minute break in the races, Hunter decided to make the most out of the opportunity and challenged Joel to a dash. It was already a special moment for the boy to meet his hero, but to race with him must have been an unreal moment for him. The crowd cheered hard as the two lined up for the dash. Joel sprinted ahead at the start and eventually went on to win the race, defeating the Paralympic champion.

 

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A post shared by Tara & Hunter Woodhall (@thewoodhalls)

It was quite a heartwarming moment for everyone involved. The crowd was also very much invested as they cheered for Joel when he won the dash. This meet-up may even turn out to be one of those unforgettable moments in that preschooler’s life. Hunter’s heartwarming gesture for the kid won hearts on social media.

Additionally, both Hunter and Tara met Joel’s mother, as she was also present at the arena. They had a chat with her, and she told them that Joel watches their videos on a regular basis. “We watch your videos all the time, and it is really inspirational for him,” she said in the video on Instagram. As they say goodbye to the Simplot Games, the power couple will resume training for the upcoming track and field season.

Hunter and Tara aim to continue their golden form

The duo has begun their preparations for the much-anticipated track and field season. While Hunter is the current Paralympic champion in the men’s 400m T62, Tara is the reigning Olympic champion in women’s long jump. 2024 proved to be a stellar year for the two as they won gold at both the Paralympics and Olympics. They continued this form in 2025 and achieved major success once again.

The 26-year-old went on to clinch gold in the World Athletics Championship with a jump of 7.13 m. With this, not only did she capture her maiden world title, but she also defeated two-time world champion Malaika Mihambo, who had to settle for silver.

On the other hand, Hunter delivered a monumental performance in the national championships. He won both the men’s 100 T62 and men’s 400m T62, clocking times of 10.76s and 45.79s, respectively. It was his display in the latter event that grabbed headlines, as not only was this his personal best, but he also broke the previous world record set by Johannes Floors at 45.78s in 2019.

Following this, Hunter made the surprising decision to withdraw from the 2025 Para World Championships. He explained that clocking 45 seconds in the 400m was his biggest goal for the year and wanted to focus on recovery after achieving it. “I couldn’t have asked for a better season. Running 45 seconds was my biggest goal for the year. We have bigger goals for next year, and that, combined with many other factors, helped with this decision. Both my walking and running prosthetics need to be fixed. The travel with Tokyo and India all at once, all the changes that came with moving, and a crazy year—all of this played a part,” a part of Hunter’s Instagram post read.

Though 2025 proved to be a memorable year for both Hunter and Tara, it remains to be seen if the couple will be able to continue their form in the 2026 track and field season.

The post Paralympian Hunter Woodhall Embraces New Role After Surprise Encounter at Indoor Track Meet appeared first on EssentiallySports.

AusCycling, the national governing body for cycling in Australia, took to Instagram and shared the devastating news with the world. They joined hands with the cycling and para-sports communities to mourn Greco’s passing. The highlight was, of course, the cycling track that Greco dominated, despite suffering from cerebral palsy. She began her cycling journey in 2018, prior to which, she was a track and field athlete. But she didn’t take long before she became one of her country’s most accomplished para-cyclists. Despite all the glamour on the tracks, she will be “remembered for her humility, generosity, and the genuine joy she brought to every team environment.”

The CEO of AusCycling, Marne Fechner, dropped a few words for Greco. Of course, she was heartbroken by the news of Greco’s passing. She stated, “Paige was an extraordinary athlete who achieved outstanding accomplishments at the highest levels of our sport. Much more than that, she touched the lives of everyone around her with her positive spirit and courageous outlook.” And she sent her thoughts and condolences to Greco’s close ones. 

Even Greco’s mother, Natalie Greco, highlighted the star cyclist’s kindness, determination, and warmth. She said, “She brought so much joy and pride into our lives, and the pain of her passing is something we will carry forever.” While the entire family was devastated by the loss, they were also proud of the way Paige Greco represented Australia. The CEO of Paralympics Australia, Cameron Murray, further strengthened Greco’s stance by saying, “The sadness being felt across Paralympics Australia today is a reflection of the enormous regard in which she was held.” Greco was a force to be reckoned with – someone who set three world records just a year after switching to cycling. 

 

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A post shared by AusCycling (@auscyclingaus)

Paige Greco etched her name in gold at the 2019 UCI Para-Cycling Track World Championships in the Netherlands. She won the gold in the women’s 3km Pursuit C3. Well, the qualifying race ended in a record time of 4:00:206. She set another world record in the 500m Time Trial C3, winning the gold in 39.442s. That same year, she won a gold in the Road World Championships Time Trial C3 and a silver medal in the Scratch Race C3. At the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, she won the women’s 3000m Individual Pursuit C1-3 gold. She also broke the world record with a clock in time of 3:50:815. She also won the bronze in the Road Time Trial C1-3 and another bronze in the Road Race C1-3. For her services to the sport, she received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2022. 

But when AusCycling dropped the unfortunate news on Instagram, the world came together to mourn Paige Greco. 

The cycling community joins hands in tribute to Paige Greco

A fellow cyclist and teammate, Sarah Gigante, was heartbroken with the news. Yet, she decided to shine the light on a smiling Paige Greco. She commented, “Absolutely devastating news. You were always smiling whenever I saw you in the gym. Rest in peace, Paige, and my thoughts go out to your family and friends .” Another fan highlighted the Olympic champion’s smile and wrote, “That smile captures exactly how I’ll remember Paige. My thoughts are with her family and friends. .” Meanwhile, a fan wrote, “How shocking … and so terribly sad,” and proceeded to send his condolences to Greco’s family and friends. 

Prayers kept pouring in for the cyclist’s family and friends. But one thing was crystal clear. The cycling community remembers her as a “lovely person and an amazing athlete.” Another fan, and cyclist, Matilda Reynolds, captured Paige Greco as a “winner at living life” who put the “small things in perspective.” She was undoubtedly a champion on and off the bike. 

So, how will the cycling and Paralympics community remember Paige Greco? One fan had a solution. The comment read, “ I will remember her as such a positive, cheerful person and a great athlete.” Additionally, the Queensland Academy of Sport put things into perspective. They pointed out that Greco “touched many lives with her kindness, determination and spirit.” Her story will live on in the memories of her friends, family, and fans. 

The post “Devastating”: Paralympic Community Mourns Loss of 28-Year-Old Cyclist Who Won Australia’s First Gold appeared first on EssentiallySports.

While the Olympics are scheduled from February 6 to February 22, 2026, some interesting developments are already underway, one of them being the preparations for the grand opening ceremony. But before that, an important tradition has caught the focus of the fans – lighting the iconic Olympic Flame.

Winter Olympics Flame: Travel, Locations, Dates

The traditional lighting ceremony will take place in Ancient Olympia, Greece on November 26, 2025. Following that, the flame will be handed over to the Olympic Organizing Committee during a special ceremony at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens on December 4, 2025.

From there, the Olympic Flame will travel to Rome, which will officially mark the inception of its grand relay across Italy on December 6. Then, for over the next 63 days, around 10,001 torchbearers will carry the torch and travel all the way through 20 regions, covering 12,000 kilometres, visiting 110 provinces, 300 municipalities, and 60 stage cities. Along the way, the flame will light up major cities.

The Olympic flame is lit!

Every visit to Olympia, Greece, is special and this is how the #Paris2024 Flame-Lighting ceremony unfolded.#Paris2024 @Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/VIZqUjTNmH

— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) April 16, 2024

This would include reaching Naples on Christmas Day and ringing in the New Year in Bari. Then, finally, on January 26, 2026, it will return to Cortina d’Ampezzo, exactly 70 years after hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics. This remarkable journey will conclude on February 6, 2026, as the Winter Olympics Flame enters Milan’s San Siro Stadium to mark the grand Opening Ceremony of the Games.

So it is surely quite a packed occasion in the coming months. While all the details regarding the travel and other dates are clear, we might as well take a look at the torchbearers.

Meet the Flame bearers

Given the occasion, it’s only natural for the Olympic Committee to choose a special group of individuals to carry the iconic flame. As described by the Olympics, the selected group of torchbearers will be embodying the true spirit of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, which is “an event that celebrates not only sport but also the strength of human connections, resilience, and the ability to overcome barriers.”

Hence, people across entertainment, sport, and culture will be taking part in this journey. Starting with the cultural and entertainment aspect, where two giants of Italian cinema, Giuseppe Tornatore, an Oscar-winning director and screenwriter, as well as Alessandra Mastronardi, a celebrated actress known for her work both in Italy and abroad, will carry the flame.

Joining the group of torchbearers are the key figures of Italian women’s football team, Andrea Soncin, the head coach, and Cristiana Girelli, the team captain. Adding a bit of emotional depth to the occasion, we have Valentina Placida. Her story is quite touching; a young girl living with a rare syndrome. She will take part alongside her father, Vincenzo, a marathoner who will run while pushing her stroller. Joining them is Chiara Vingione, European and World Champion basketball player with the FISDIR National Team, making her an inspiration within the Paralympic community and beyond.

Overall, the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics are set to portray the same thrill, passion, and powerful stories that define the true spirit of the competition.

The post When Will Winter Olympics Flame Be Lit? All About It’s Travel, Locations, Dates appeared first on EssentiallySports.

A scientific analysis by the World Weather Attribution group confirmed a shocking fact. They stated that the extreme conditions “would have been virtually impossible” without human-induced climate change. Nonetheless, ice vests, umbrellas, and cooling tents were given to the athletes to deal with the extreme temperatures. Even the horses at the Palace of Versailles were monitored by thermal imaging to prevent overheating.

With Los Angeles 2028 next, the problem of global warming is painting a concerning picture for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. EssentiallySports recently spoke with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons about how the governing body is preparing for LA28.

When asked about improving athlete safety amid rising temperatures, Parsons acknowledged the urgency. “I mean, it’s a discussion that’s been going on for a number of years. I remember 10 years ago, we had a world championship in Doha, which was really, really hard. Some athletes collapsed in the field of play,” he said.

Recalling the Tokyo Games, Parsons added, “We had the situation with the marathon in the Olympics and the Paralympics in Tokyo. That triathlon, we needed to start 6 a.m.” His remarks underlined how climate challenges are not isolated incidents but growing logistical realities that demand adaptation. “This is something important that we have our medical committee addressing. Especially it affects more some specific types of disabilities and level of disabilities like the quadriplegics,” he noted.

Protocols such as scheduling events early in the morning and implementing cooling measures have helped in minimizing risks. But Parsons also clarified that global warming demands overall structural changes in how major competitions are held. “With the global warming is something that we will need to really pay attention,” he said. “When we scheduled the events around the world, we saw the FIFA World Cup in Qatar towards the end of the year. So this is probably at the end of the day about the well-being.”

“Everything that we have to adapt and change to make sure that they have the perfect conditions, we will do,” Parsons affirmed. Meanwhile, as the United States prepares to host both the Olympics and Paralympics, its role in containing the heat and coming up with suitable sustainability standards will be of utmost importance.

Andrew Parsons sees the US as key to preserving the core values of the Paralympics movement

Andrew Parsons viewed the moment not simply as a sporting milestone. He saw it as a chance for the nation to reaffirm the foundation upon which the Paralympic movement stood. “The next Olympics are going to be in the US so are the Paralympics and US is considered as the hub of track and field,” he said.

The IPC President further remarked that the United States could serve as a model for both inclusion and advancement. “I don’t think only track and field,” Parsons continued. He stated that the strength of the American stage lay in its ability to connect multiple spheres, broadcasting, sponsorship, and fundraising among them. “I think the biggest opportunity is to the US so that we can transform America, make it more inclusive,” he explained, pointing to the cultural respect shown to veterans and the nation’s long-standing relationship with sport.

Parsons believes that the United States could set an enduring standard for the global Paralympic movement. As he concluded, such change “will of course benefit the Paralympic movement back.” Surely, with things looking concerning, the onus is on the US and the IPC to get things to work out and make the event a grand success. However, with the global temperatures rising drastically, it remains to be seen how well the situation is dealt with.

The post [EXCLUSIVE] IPC President Andrew Parsons: “The U.S. Can Transform How Disability Is Perceived Through Sport” appeared first on EssentiallySports.