
As 2025 kicks into gear, the countdown to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics begins in earnest. With a year to go until the world’s top para-athletes descend on Italy, ParalympicsGB is already making waves on the international stage, pushing their limits in pursuit of Paralympic glory.
Skiing superstar Neil Simpson sets the standard
Among the standout performers so far is Neil Simpson, the visually impaired skier who captured gold at Beijing 2022. The Paralympic champion, alongside his guide Rob Poth, ended 2024 on a high, clinching Giant Slalom gold at the World Cup in Courchevel.
Neil continued his impressive run by finishing fifth in the Giant Slalom at the Maribor Para Alpine World Championships. This achievement gives him momentum for the upcoming Winter Paralympics.
Scott Meenagh impresses in Para Nordic and Biathlon

In the endurance-testing world of Para Nordic skiing, Scott Meenagh has been making headlines. The talented athlete delivered a fourth-place finish at the Para Biathlon World Cup Sprint in Val di Fiemme, marking a strong performance before heading into the Para Biathlon World Championships in Pokljuka, where he finished seventh in the Biathlon SP Pursuit, as well as ninth in the Biathlon SP and 10th in the Biathlon individual races.
With biathlon demanding both physical endurance and pinpoint accuracy, Scott’s recent form suggests he’s primed for a breakthrough on the global stage.
Para snowboarders battle it out in World Cup events

It’s not just the alpine skiers making an impact. The British Para Snowboard team has been in action across Europe, testing their skills in high-intensity Snowboard Cross World Cup events.
James Barnes-Miller and Ollie Hill have both put in strong performances, with Ollie securing Britain’s best result, finishing eighth in Lenk, Switzerland.
James Barnes-Miller also claimed his first World Cup podium of the season with a bronze at the Steamboat Para Snowboard Snowboard Cross World Cup last month, a strong performance for the two-time Paralympian. Nina Sparks also achieved two 8th-place finishes at the same event.
As of 5th March 2025, the 2025 Para Snowboard World Championships have been taking place in Big White, Canada. The British team, comprising James Barnes-Miller, Matthew Hamilton, Ollie Hill, and Nina Sparks, is actively competing in these championships.
With competition heating up, all eyes are on the squad as they sharpen their skills for the crucial season ahead and the upcoming Winter Paralympics.
In addition, snowboarder Nina Sparks has been honoured with the 2025 Nicholas Cheffings Para Athlete Bursary by Hogan Lovells, the Official Legal Services Provider and Gold Partner to ParalympicsGB. This bursary provides financial support to aid the career development of athletes aspiring to be selected for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games and Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
Other recipients are judoka Evan Molloy, table tennis player Will Bayley, swimming sisters Eliza Humphrey & Scarlett Humphrey, track athletes Ben Sandilands & Karim Chan, boccia platwe Sally Kidson, triathlete Hannah Moore and wheelchair basketball player Sophie Carrigill.
Home nations reflect on the 2025 World Wheelchair Curling Championships

Britain’s wheelchair curling teams have wrapped up their campaign at the 2025 World Championships in Stevenston, Scotland, where they faced fierce competition on home ice. The tournament followed months of preparation, including a strong showing at the Euro Super League in Stirling, where Scotland 1 topped the rankings against world-class opposition.
With high hopes heading into the event, both England and Scotland looked to make an impact on the global stage.
Scotland’s squad featured experienced names, including two-time Paralympian Hugh Nibloe, who previously won silver the last time Scotland hosted the event. He competed in both the team and mixed doubles events, alongside Charlotte McKenna in the latter. The team competition saw Austin McKenzie, Gary Smith, Gregor Ewan, and Jo Butterfield represent the host nation.
England’s team, led by skip Stewart Pimblett, featured a mix of veterans and debutants, with Karen Aspey joining Stewart Pimblett in mixed doubles, while Julian Mattison, Jason Kean, and alternate Jean Guild rounded out the team event lineup.
Despite strong performances, neither team was able to reach the playoff rounds. England secured key wins against Canada (10–4), Sweden (7–6), and Scotland (7–5) but finished eighth overall with a 5-6 record.
Scotland, despite a passionate home crowd, struggled for consistency and ended the tournament in a mid-table position.
In the end, China claimed the gold medal, with Canada taking silver and South Korea securing bronze.
While the results may not have matched their ambitions, both British teams gained valuable experience on the world stage.
With sights now set on Milano Cortina 2026, the focus shifts to building on this performance and continuing to develop ahead of future international competitions.
The road ahead to Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics
With a full season of competition still to come, British para-athletes are already showcasing their talent and determination on the world stage. As the fight for Paralympic qualification intensifies, expect more thrilling performances, surprise breakthroughs, and unforgettable moments as Team GB’s finest push towards their ultimate goal – glory at Milano Cortina 2026.