Paralympian Noah Elliott Chases Redemption in Milan Cortina

The most decorated adaptive snowboarder you've never heard of is determined to prove his abilities on the world's biggest stage.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Noah Elliott, a 28-year-old Paralympian from Colorado Springs, has built an impressive resume in adaptive snowboarding, including 14 World Cup titles, an ESPY Award, and a gold medal at the 2018 Winter Paralympics. However, he fell short of the podium at the 2022 Beijing Games due to a serious injury. Now, Elliott is focused on redemption at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan Cortina, where he hopes to become the first male adaptive snowboarder to win gold medals in both slalom and snowboard cross.

Why it matters

Elliott's story highlights the challenges faced by elite adaptive athletes, who often struggle for recognition and funding despite their remarkable accomplishments. His determination to overcome adversity and prove the capabilities of athletes with disabilities sends an inspiring message, especially as adaptive sports continue to gain prominence on the world stage.

The details

Born and raised in Missouri, Elliott was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his left knee at age 16, leading to a painful leg reconstruction and eventual amputation. After discovering adaptive snowboarding during a cancer recovery trip, Elliott dedicated himself to the sport and quickly rose through the ranks, winning multiple World Cup titles and a gold medal at the 2018 Paralympics. However, a serious injury before the 2022 Beijing Games resulted in a disappointing performance, fueling his drive for redemption in Milan Cortina.

  • In late summer 2012, Elliott's 16-year-old girlfriend found him at a skate park and told him she was pregnant.
  • In July 2013, Elliott was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his left knee.
  • In November 2013, Elliott underwent a limb salvage surgery to remove the cancerous knee and tibia.
  • In January 2015, Elliott opted to amputate his left leg four inches above the knee due to ongoing issues.
  • In 2016, Elliott moved to Utah to pursue adaptive snowboarding at the National Ability Center.
  • In 2018, Elliott won gold and bronze medals at the Pyeongchang Winter Paralympics.
  • In 2022, Elliott suffered a serious injury before the Beijing Games, resulting in a disappointing performance.
  • In 2026, Elliott will compete at the Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics, seeking redemption and the chance to become the first male adaptive snowboarder to win gold medals in both slalom and snowboard cross.

The players

Noah Elliott

A 28-year-old Paralympian from Colorado Springs, Elliott has built an impressive resume in adaptive snowboarding, including 14 World Cup titles, an ESPY Award, and a gold medal at the 2018 Winter Paralympics.

Darla Ell

Elliott's mother, who supported him through his cancer diagnosis and treatment, and helped make it possible for him to pursue adaptive snowboarding in Utah.

Skylar

Elliott's daughter, who he had at the age of 15 and has worked to support and bring into his life as he has pursued his snowboarding career.

Graham Watanabe

A former Olympic snowboarder who is now a coach for the U.S. Ski & Snowboard's adaptive boarding program and has helped guide Elliott's development.

Brenna Huckaby

A Paralympic snowboard champion who met Elliott at a Sunshine Kids Foundation camp and provided him with early encouragement and advice about pursuing the sport.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This kid thinks he so bad, like he's gonna jump on the scene. Then I saw him on a snowboard. I was like, 'Oh, he rips.'”

— Brenna Huckaby, Paralympic snowboard champion

“Noah's like an onion. He has all these layers to him.”

— Joe Pleban, American Paralympic boarder

“I think he was going through a challenging time, and he didn't know how to talk about it. There's so much pressure to be a certain way as a parent, and if you're getting to know the people you're around, and they don't know your story, you're going to be guarded.”

— Brenna Huckaby, Paralympic snowboard champion

What’s next

Elliott will compete in several World Cup events in Austria and the Netherlands in the lead-up to the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan Cortina, where he hopes to become the first male adaptive snowboarder to win gold medals in both slalom and snowboard cross.

The takeaway

Despite the many challenges and setbacks he has faced, including a cancer diagnosis, amputation, and a serious injury before the 2022 Beijing Games, Noah Elliott has emerged as one of the most dominant adaptive snowboarders in the world. His determination to prove the capabilities of athletes with disabilities and achieve redemption at the 2026 Paralympics in Milan Cortina serves as an inspiring story of perseverance and the power of the human spirit.