UK Sport is set to raise performance targets for the next Winter Paralympics after Great Britain returned from the Milano Cortina Games with only a single silver medal. ParalympicsGB failed to hit a reduced target of two to five medals, with Neil Simpson's second-placed finish in the men's visually impaired alpine combination skiing being the only podium appearance.
Dr Kate Baker, UK Sport's director of performance, expressed pride in many performances but acknowledged the need for a review. "I don't think we could ever be disappointed in this group but I think we're all committed to making sure that performance happens [at the 2030 Games]," she said. Asked if UK Sport would set a higher medal target for 2030, Baker replied: "Yes."
Baker raised doubts about Britain's ability to compete in Nordic events such as cross-country skiing and biathlon, which form a third of the winter Paralympic programme. Only one British athlete, Scott Meenagh, qualified in these disciplines, finishing no higher than 14th. She noted that disciplines like slalom and curling can be practised in the UK, but wider success requires access to snow, which is challenging due to Schengen restrictions and climate change.
ParalympicsGB's chef de mission, Phil Smith, said results had "obviously been tough" but saw reasons for optimism. "If you ran this week again, we could [have been] in the middle of that target with just a little bit more luck," he said. Smith added that while a complete reset is not needed, some areas require attention, and 2030 presents an opportunity to demonstrate competitiveness in winter Paralympic sport.
