Team GB Announces Flagbearers for 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milano Cortina
Great Britain has officially revealed its flagbearers for the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, with the prestigious honour going to two distinguished athletes: Para alpine skier Menna Fitzpatrick and Nordic skier Scott Meenagh. The announcement comes just ahead of the opening ceremony scheduled for Friday, March 6, in Verona, Italy.
Selection and Significance of the Flagbearers
Both Fitzpatrick and Meenagh were chosen by their fellow ParalympicsGB team-mates, a clear indication of their respected status and leadership within the squad. Fitzpatrick, who is ParalympicsGB's most successful winter Paralympian with an impressive haul of six medals, will share the flagbearing duties with Meenagh, who is preparing for his third consecutive Games appearance.
Menna Fitzpatrick expressed her excitement about the role, stating: "I'm super excited, I still can't believe I've made it to Cortina and so this is an extra cherry on top. My family have supported me throughout this whole journey so I'm doing it for them as well."
Scott Meenagh added his thoughts, saying: "It's remarkable. I try really hard every day to represent my sport, myself and my country in the best way I can; I try to do that in my behaviour and express that in my performance, so now to have that little bit of recognition – I'm a bit speechless."
Logistical Details and Competition Schedule
Interestingly, neither Fitzpatrick nor Meenagh will be physically present at the opening ceremony in Verona on March 6, as they are both scheduled to compete in their respective events the following day. This logistical detail highlights the intense focus and preparation required for elite Paralympic athletes, even amidst ceremonial honours.
ParalympicsGB's Broader Campaign and Historical Context
The Paralympics officially commence on March 6, with ParalympicsGB sending a contingent of 25 athletes to Italy. The team will compete across a range of disciplines, including:
- Para alpine skiing
- Para Nordic skiing
- Para snowboard
- Wheelchair curling
Great Britain aims to build on a highly successful Winter Olympics performance, where the nation secured five medals, including three golds. Key highlights from those Games include:
- Skeleton racer Matt Weston winning two gold medals: one in the individual event and another in the mixed event with Tabby Stoecker.
- Charlotte Bankes and Huw Nightingale claiming gold in the snowboard cross mixed event.
- The men's curling team earning a silver medal.
- Zoe Atkin securing a bronze medal in the women's halfpipe skiing.
This strong foundation sets high expectations for the ParalympicsGB team as they head into the 2026 Winter Paralympics, with Fitzpatrick and Meenagh leading the charge as flagbearers, symbolising the nation's hopes and athletic excellence on the global stage.
