Athletes To Watch in the Winter Paralympics for Team USA

2026 Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics kicks off today with the opening ceremony. Team USA has a slate of impressive athletes, some of whom have already won gold in previous events. Here are four to watch at the Winter Games.

Jack Wallace, Sled Hockey

Jack Wallace already has two gold medals from the 2018 and 2022 Games. This New Jersey native had his sights on playing for the NHL since he was a little kid, but a waterskiing accident when he was 10 took his right leg. Undeterred, he kept working towards his goals but in a new way. This team will compete for a fifth consecutive Paralympic sled hockey gold.

Meg Gustafson, Alpine Skiing

For Meg Gustafson, competing is a family affair. Her older brother, Spenser, serves as her guide down the slope because she was born with an eye condition that allows her to see out of only her right eye. Gustafson, 16, is one of the youngest Paralympians to compete in slalom, GS, super G, downhill, and combined.

Zach Miller, Snowboarding

Zach Miller, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 6 months old, discovered snowboarding through a sports program at the Children's Hospital in Denver, where he spent much his time. He loves speed. Miller, 27, will compete in both banked slalom and snowboard cross. He earned his first world championship medal in snowboard cross in 2019 and holds medals in banked slalom in 2021, 2023, and 2025.

Noah Elliott, Snowboarding

Noah Elliott won gold in his Paralympic debut in 2018 on the banked slalom course. He also competes in snowboard cross. Elliott also won the World Cup banked slalom and overall globes in 2024-25.