Austria Shines at the 2026 Winter Paralympics, Securing Fifth Place in Medal Count
Milan & Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – The Austrian Paralympic team concluded a highly successful campaign at the 2026 Winter Paralympics, securing a commendable fifth-place finish in the medal table. The team brought home a total of 13 medals – seven gold, two silver, and four bronze – marking a significant achievement for Austrian Para sport.
Exceptional Performance Across Disciplines
The 2026 Winter Paralympics, held from March 6th to 15th, saw Austrian athletes competing in four sports. The team’s performance showcased a high level of international competitiveness and dedication, according to officials.
Veronika Aigner: The Star of the Games
Leading the charge for Austria was Veronika Aigner, who emerged as the most successful athlete of the games. Competing in Para alpine skiing with guide Lilly Sammer and Eric Digruber, Aigner secured an impressive haul of four gold medals and one silver medal across five events. Her achievements have been hailed as “extraordinary” and an “inspiring example for the entire sport.”
Aigner’s Medal Achievements
- Gold: Women’s downhill, visually impaired (Guide: Lilly Sammer) – March 7
- Gold: Men’s downhill, visually impaired (Guide: Nico Haberl) – March 7
- Gold: Men’s super-G, visually impaired (Guide: Nico Haberl) – March 9
- Gold: Women’s super combined, visually impaired (Guide: Lilly Sammer) – March 10
- Gold: Women’s giant slalom, visually impaired (Guide: Eric Digruber) – March 12
- Gold: Men’s giant slalom, visually impaired (Guide: Nico Haberl) – March 13
- Gold: Women’s slalom, visually impaired (Guide: Eric Digruber) – March 14
- Silver: Women’s super-G, visually impaired (Guide: Lilly Sammer) – March 9
- Silver: Women’s slalom, visually impaired (Guide: Stefan Winter) – March 14
- Bronze: Women’s super combined, visually impaired (Guide: Stefan Winter) – March 10
- Bronze: Men’s super combined, visually impaired (Guide: Nico Haberl) – March 10
Recognition from Sport Austria
Hans Niessl, President of Sport Austria, expressed immense pride in the team’s performance. “The performance of our team at the Para Games in Italy fills Sport-Austria with great pride!,” Niessl stated. He also highlighted the exceptional performance of the Aigner family, who collectively won nine medals. Niessl congratulated the Austrian Paralympic Committee and thanked all athletes, trainers, and support staff for their dedication and passion. Sport Austria
Team Composition
The Austrian delegation consisted of 15 athletes – 11 men and 4 women – demonstrating a strong representation across genders. Wikipedia
Looking Ahead
The success of the Austrian team at the 2026 Winter Paralympics underscores the growing strength of Para sport in Austria and sets a positive precedent for future competitions. The dedication and achievements of these athletes serve as an inspiration for aspiring Para athletes across the nation.
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