26 November 2025
100 days to go: Phil Smith counts down to Milano Cortina 2026
By Phil Smith - ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission
Today marks 100 days to go until the Opening Ceremony of the Milano Cortina Paralympic Winter Games, but it’s actually only 98 days to go until the competition starts!
For the first time ever ParalympicsGB will be in action before the Opening Ceremony with the Wheelchair Curling mixed doubles competition beginning on the 4 March. The mixed doubles competition is a new addition for these Games, alongside the team event which has been part of the programme since 2006.
Wheelchair Curling will be one of five sports with British representation at the Games as we now know we will also have athletes competing in Para Alpine Skiing, Para Biathlon, Para Cross country and Para Snowboard. The ParalympicsGB team promises to be one of our biggest ever at a Winter Games as we look to build on the success of Beijing 2022, so make sure you’re following ParalympicsGB’s social media channels in the week before Christmas as we announce our first athletes.
Phil Smith (left) with wheelchair curler Jo Butterfield at the adidas kit launch
It’s been an incredibly busy last few weeks for me personally, starting with the launch of the adidas kit for the Games. From initial design through to finally seeing the items, this has been a two-year project during which we’ve worked really closely with adidas to make sure that the kit that our ParalympicsGB team will wear in Italy meets all our needs. There’s always something special about a Winter Games kit and this one is no different. Whether it’s competing on the ice and snow or resting and recovering back in the Athlete village, our team will look and feel fantastic.
Last week I was lucky to finally get into the Paralympic villages in both Cortina and Predazzo, where ParalympicsGB athletes will stay during the Games. Both villages are set in stunning locations and as a team we now have a great idea of how we will set up our spaces and create the best possible environment for our athletes and support staff. Just like with the kit, we know our space in the village won’t make all the difference when our athletes cross the start line and competition begins, but we will always look to find any advantage we can to give athletes the best possible chance to achieve performances that will excite and enthral everyone watching back home.
So, the final countdown is now firmly on. There is still a long way to go though and as a ParalympicsGB team we will use every one of these 100 days to make sure we are the best prepared team we can be when it comes to the Games. We have so much to look forward to with team selections and announcements and then a special trip to Edinburgh for Kitting Out, where athletes will finally get their hands on their kit before heading out to the Games in Milano Cortina. I know I can’t wait - and I hope you’ll be with us all the way supporting ParalympicsGB.
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