Saylor O'Brien Chases Paralympic Dreams with Authenticity

The rising U.S. Para alpine skier opens up about mental health, her Paralympic ambitions, and the lessons she's learned from Olympian Picabo Street.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:15am

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Saylor O'Brien, a rising star in U.S. Para alpine skiing, has carved out her own path to success by embracing what makes her different. Born with Spina Bifida, O'Brien fell in love with winter sports at an early age, and her childhood passion for skiing has grown into a Paralympic dream. The Woodland, Utah native has trained with the National Ability Center's High-Performance Alpine Team since 2017 and joined the Stifel U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team in 2022. Now, she is aiming to make her first Paralympic team at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games.

Why it matters

O'Brien's journey highlights the growth of the adaptive sports movement and the importance of embracing authenticity in sports. As a female Para athlete, she has found inspiration in Olympian Picabo Street's unapologetic approach, and hopes to inspire others to show up as their true selves on the world stage.

The details

O'Brien started skiing at age 4 through the Wasatch Adaptive Sports program in Snowbird, Utah. She was drawn to the sport's thrill and has been working towards her Paralympic dreams since she was 10 years old. Despite facing mental health challenges, O'Brien has remained dedicated to her craft, crediting her support system and the close-knit Paralympic skiing community for helping her stay motivated and focused.

  • O'Brien joined the Stifel U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team in 2022.
  • The 2026 Milan Cortina Paralympics will take place from March 6-15, 2026.

The players

Saylor O'Brien

A rising star in U.S. Para alpine skiing, born with Spina Bifida, who is aiming to make her first Paralympic team at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games.

Picabo Street

An Olympic champion skier who has served as a mentor and inspiration to O'Brien, encouraging her to show up authentically as an athlete.

National Ability Center

The organization's High-Performance Alpine Team has trained O'Brien since 2017.

Stifel U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team

O'Brien joined this team in 2022 as she continues her pursuit of Paralympic glory.

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What they’re saying

“She's definitely inspired me to keep going. She's also shown what it means to be a female in the skiing world. It's such a small field and community for women, so if I can show up in a way that is different and authentic, that's all I want.”

— Saylor O'Brien (This interview has been edited for length and clarity. The conversation took place in August 2025.)

“Mental health doesn't disqualify you from excellence and excellence doesn't exempt you from struggle.”

— Saylor O'Brien (Instagram)

What’s next

The 2026 Milan Cortina Paralympics begin on March 6 and run through March 15.

The takeaway

O'Brien's journey showcases the power of authenticity and resilience in sports, as she navigates her Paralympic dreams while openly addressing mental health challenges. Her story inspires others to embrace what makes them unique and to seek support when needed, proving that excellence and struggle can coexist.