Team USA Dominates the 2026 Winter Paralympics

American athletes win 24 medals, including 13 golds, across ice and snow events

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Team USA had a standout performance at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, finishing second in the overall medal count with 24 medals, 13 of them gold. American athletes made dazzling debuts, defended titles, and cemented legacies across a range of events, including sled hockey, Para Nordic skiing, Alpine skiing, and snowboarding.

Why it matters

The strong showing by Team USA at the Winter Paralympics highlights the growth and development of Paralympic sports in the country, with a mix of decorated veterans and rising stars showcasing American dominance on the global stage. The success also underscores the ability of Paralympic athletes to overcome adversity and inspire people around the world.

The details

In sled hockey, the U.S. team became the first Paralympic or Olympic team to win five consecutive gold medals, defeating rival Canada 6-2 in the final. Declan Farmer, the tournament MVP, became the all-time leading scorer in Paralympic sled hockey history. In Para Nordic skiing, eight-time Paralympian Oksana Masters won four gold medals and a bronze, while four-time Paralympian Jake Adicoff set a new record for the most Para cross-country golds won by a Team USA athlete in a single Games. In Alpine skiing, Andrew Kurka won bronze in the men's super-G sitting, and Patrick Halgren won silver in the men's super-G standing, the first for the U.S. since 1998. In snowboarding, three-time Paralympian Brenna Huckaby became the most decorated Paralympic snowboarder in history, while first-time Paralympian Kate Delson medaled in both the banked slalom and snowboard cross events.

  • The 2026 Winter Paralympics were held from March 6-17, 2026 in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.
  • The closing ceremony took place on Sunday, March 17, 2026.

The players

Josh Pauls

Captain of the U.S. sled hockey team, who led the team to its fifth consecutive Paralympic gold medal.

Declan Farmer

The top scorer and MVP of the 2026 Winter Paralympics sled hockey tournament, who became the all-time leading scorer in Paralympic sled hockey history at just 28 years old.

Oksana Masters

An eight-time, dual-season Paralympian and the most decorated Winter Paralympian in U.S. history, who won four gold medals and a bronze in biathlon and cross-country skiing events in 2026.

Jake Adicoff

A four-time Paralympian who won four gold medals in four visually impaired skiing events, setting a new record for the most Para cross-country golds won by a Team USA athlete in a single Games.

Brenna Huckaby

A three-time Paralympian who left the 2026 Games as the most decorated Paralympic snowboarder in history, with five career medals.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You don't ever start out and try to be the only five-time gold medalist in the sport. But to be with these guys, to lead them and kind of pass on that tradition, it's the ultimate honor.”

— Josh Pauls, Captain, U.S. sled hockey team

“A lot of the guys stepped up and had their best games of the tournament, and we just carried each other. I'm just so happy for the guys, we earned it together.”

— Declan Farmer, MVP, 2026 Winter Paralympics sled hockey tournament

“I think that is what makes it so special, because nothing is guaranteed. A win's not guaranteed, and the podium's not guaranteed, and so that's been a really great motivator for this whole … year so far.”

— Oksana Masters

“It's incredibly scary to put a high goal out to the public. I was doubting it so much this week, I didn't know what was going to happen, but the races came together and I'm just overjoyed.”

— Jake Adicoff, Four-time Paralympian

“To finish my last run and bring home a bronze medal, that's storybook stuff there.”

— Mike Schultz, Three-time Paralympian

What’s next

The 2030 Winter Paralympics will be held in the French Alps, following the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Los Angeles.

The takeaway

The dominant performance by Team USA at the 2026 Winter Paralympics showcases the growth and development of Paralympic sports in the country, with a mix of veteran stars and rising talents inspiring people around the world through their determination, resilience, and pursuit of excellence.