British Nordic skier Scott Meenagh is channelling a powerful family motivation as he prepares for his third and final Winter Paralympic appearance, with his sights firmly set on winning a first Games medal.
A Father's Final Mission
The 36-year-old from Cumbernauld has been officially selected for ParalympicsGB and will compete in Milan Cortina in March 2026. He has declared this will be his last event before retirement, and he is determined to secure a podium finish. His primary drive, however, transcends personal glory.
"My main motivation right now is to show the best version of myself to my daughter," Meenagh stated. His four-year-old girl, Bryn, is now old enough to potentially remember the event. "What I want is for her to witness her dad at his absolute best. That's what sport is all about; having the opportunity to be a better version of yourself."
From Battlefield to Biathlon Track
Meenagh's journey to elite Para sport is a remarkable tale of resilience. A former paratrooper, he lost both legs at the age of 21 in an IED explosion in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, nearly 15 years ago. His life was saved only by the heroic actions of a comrade who disobeyed direct orders.
During rehabilitation, he initially took up rowing as a "reason to get out of bed," later captaining the British Army team at the 2014 Invictus Games. His path changed after watching the 2014 Winter Paralympics in Sochi, where a conversation with gold medallist David Smith inspired him to pursue Nordic skiing.
"I witnessed Nordic for the first time, and I was just blown away," he recalled. "It captured everything that an athlete in my eyes needs. I was determined from 2016 onwards to explore the sport."
Overcoming Adversity on the Road to Milan
Heading to his third Paralympics, Meenagh's best result remains a sixth-place finish in the 12.5km biathlon at the Beijing 2022 Games. He has since made history by becoming the first British athlete to win a Para Nordic World Championships medal, taking silver in 2023.
The Beijing experience was fraught with personal challenge. His daughter Bryn was born three months prematurely just before the Games, while COVID-19 delays and a coach's injury created further disruption. He credited rival Canadian staff for stepping in to support him, highlighting the sport's strong culture.
Now, with full focus on Milan Cortina, Meenagh aims to conclude his storied career by creating a lasting memory for his young family and inspiring the next generation through his performance.
