Neil Simpson Optimistic for Super-G Medal After Fourth Place Downhill Finish at Paralympics
Neil Simpson, the visually impaired British Para alpine skier, delivered a pragmatic performance in his opening event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics, finishing fourth in the downhill on Saturday. Despite the disappointment of missing the podium, Simpson remains hopeful that this result will spark future medal success, particularly in the upcoming super-G event.
Mixed Season Culminates in Strong Downhill Run
Simpson, who skis alongside his brother Andrew as his guide, posted a time of 1:21.31 on the Olympia delle Tofane course in Cortina D'Ampezzo. This placed him 2.67 seconds behind third-placed Italian favourite Giacomo Bertagnolli, with Austria's Johannes Aigner securing gold in 1:16.08. The 23-year-old admitted to a mixed season of form but described this run as his best in downhill to date, expressing satisfaction with improvements made during the event.
"It was better than the training runs. I was quite pleased with some sections, and we tidied up a few things," Simpson reflected. "Unfortunately, it wasn't enough for a podium, but it was our best performance in the downhill run so I'm pretty pleased. I'll try and take what we've learned from today into the super-G, when some of the sections are quite similar."
Challenges and Adaptations on the Course
The race presented unique challenges for visually impaired skiers like Simpson, with factors such as glare, shade, and varying terrain communicated by his guide. Andrew Simpson skied just ahead in a hi-vis vest, using a Bluetooth headset to provide instructions, as physical contact is not permitted. The brothers maintained a close connection throughout the high-speed event, which Simpson highlighted as a key focus area.
"We tried to keep the connection, that's something we try and work on and we managed that well today," said Simpson. He also praised the course conditions, noting that additional measures, including the cancellation of the last downhill training session, helped preserve the snow despite spring-like weather with sun and potential thawing threats.
Looking Ahead to Super-G and Beyond
With four events remaining in the Paralympics, Simpson's best chance for a medal may lie in the super-G, scheduled for Monday. He enters this event as the defending Paralympic champion, having won gold almost four years ago to the day at Beijing 2022. Simpson has also earned medals in other disciplines, including super combined, slalom, and giant slalom at both Paralympic and World Championship levels.
The atmosphere in Cortina provided a boost compared to the previous Games, with crowds adding to the experience. "You only really notice the crowds at the finish, but it was nice to cross the line and hear them there," Simpson noted. "It is a big difference from Beijing. It was a really nice experience."
As Simpson prepares for the super-G, his performance in the downhill serves as a foundation for potential podium finishes, keeping his Paralympic aspirations alive and well in Italy.
