ParalympicsGB confirms key roles for Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games

ParalympicsGB has today announced the Chef de Mission’s senior leadership team that will head up the British team at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Italy next year.

Head of Sport Phil Smith reprises his role as Chef de Mission having successfully led ParalympicsGB for the first time at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, where the team won six medals as well as achieving 13 top-five finishes and a host of personal best performances against the backdrop of the COVID pandemic and the onset of the conflict in Ukraine.

Joining Smith will be ParalympicsGB’s Director of Operations, Verity Naylor MBE and Head of Performance Services Jonny Riall who have been appointed Deputy Chefs de Mission – roles they both undertook at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games last summer.

Naylor brings a wealth of experience to the team, having worked with ParalympicsGB for nearly two decades including at seven Paralympic Games. As Director of Operations, she leads the strategic planning and delivery of all operational and logistical aspects essential to the team’s successful participation at the Games.

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Riall joined ParalympicsGB in 2022 after 17 years at British Triathlon and was team leader for the sport at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games as well as with Team England at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. He oversees all sport performance planning and will head up a team of support staff and practitioners during the Games.

Dr Michelle Jeffrey has been appointed ParalympicsGB’s Chief Medical Officer for the team having been reserve doctor for ParalympicsGB at Paris 2024. Currently in post at the Sportscotland Institute of Sport, Dr Jeffrey has over 20 years’ experience working in Sport and Exercise Medicine, including carrying out roles with Team GB, Team Scotland and as an event doctor at major competitions.

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Chris Dick continues to support ParalympicsGB in his expert role as Head of Security, having worked with ParalympicsGB since London 2012. Kate McCall once again fulfils the role of team Press Attaché in her fourth Games with ParalympicsGB.

Phil Smith, ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission for Milano Cortina 2026 said: “I’m delighted to be at the helm of such a dedicated and experienced leadership team, who bring with them a vast amount of knowledge across a multitude of areas.

“Together, we want to ensure all ParalympicsGB athletes and staff are fully supported and best prepared for the Paralympic Games - which for many will be the pinnacle of their sporting career. I look forward to working closely with the team in the coming months as we prepare for Milano Cortina 2026.”