Celebrating Spinal Cord Injury Athletes at the 2026 Winter Paralympics

As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics get underway, it’s a wonderful moment to reflect on how the Paralympic Movement has grown since its origins here in the Stoke Mandeville area. In 1944, Dr Ludwig Guttmann opened a spinal injuries centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, where he championed sport as a core part of rehabilitation. Just four years later, he organised the first Stoke Mandeville Games, bringing together 16 injured servicemen and women for an archery competition — an event now recognised as the foundation of the Paralympic Games.  

Today’s Winter Paralympics carry that spirit forward, with athletes around the world — including many with spinal cord injuries — competing at the highest level. 

Among this year’s inspiring competitors is Aaron Pike, who sustained a spinal cord injury in a hunting accident and has since become a seven‑time Paralympian. He returns once more in Para Nordic skiing and biathlon! 

Scott Meenagh — who lost both legs during military service — continues to be a standout figure in Para Nordic skiing and biathlon and was one of Great Britain’s flagbearers for the 2026 Games. 

The USA’s Jasmin Bambur also takes to the slopes again after sustaining a spinal cord injury in a car accident in 2000. Now competing in his fifth Paralympic Games, he brings a story of determination shaped through adaptive sport.  

David Williams, a former Royal Navy serviceman who sustained a spinal cord injury during his service, represents another powerful example, now competing in Para Alpine skiing. 

As we celebrate the achievements of Paralympians in 2026, their stories also remind us why continued research into spinal cord injury is so vital.  

At Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research, our mission is to fund and support high‑quality research that improves the day‑to‑day quality of life for people living with spinal cord injury (SCI). While the Paralympics showcase what’s possible at the highest level of sport, we know that many people with SCI face daily challenges in areas such as pain, bladder and bowel management, pressure ulcers and wellbeing. Our research programme aims to tackle these issues, helping people live fuller, healthier and more independent lives — whether or not they ever step onto a podium. The determination shown by athletes in Milano Cortina echoes the determination of researchers, clinicians and individuals living with SCI who work every day toward better outcomes. As the Paralympic torch shines brightly on the world stage, we’re proud to contribute, in our own way, to a future where everyone with a spinal cord injury can thrive.