Photos courtesy of Donald Miralle 

The world watched as the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games brought together the best athletes across winter sport and CAF-supported athletes delivered unforgettable performances on the global stage. 

From record-breaking victories to career-defining moments, these athletes demonstrated what is possible when access to sport exists. Behind every medal, finish line, and breakthrough performance is a journey shaped by community and opportunity. 

Historic Moments Across Team USA 

The U.S. sled hockey team set the tone early, securing the largest margin of victory in Paralympic sled hockey history. Every athlete contributed to the scoreboard, while Declan Farmer set a new record for most goals scored at a single Games. The team went on to claim its fifth consecutive gold medal, an unprecedented achievement across Olympic and Paralympic competition. 

Josh Pauls further cemented his legacy, becoming the most decorated Paralympic sled hockey player in history with five gold medals. 

Leading the Medal Count and Making History 

History continued to unfold across Para Nordic skiing and beyond. 

Oksana Masters became the most decorated U.S. Winter Paralympian of all time, reaching 24 career medals, including 13 golds. She added another gold in the mixed relay alongside teammates Jake Adicoff, Josh Sweeney, Sydney Peterson, and Reid Goble. 

Adicoff delivered a flawless Games, going four-for-four in gold medals with his guides. 

Kendall Gretsch secured her fifth Paralympic gold, continuing to redefine excellence in winter sport. 

As a team, the U.S. set a new record with 10 gold medals in Para Nordic skiing — a milestone that reflects both depth and dominance. 

Breakthrough Performances and Career Milestones 

Across disciplines, athletes reached new heights and achieved long-awaited milestones. 

Noah Elliott, Andrew Kurka, and Mike Schultz each completed their Paralympic medal sets, earning gold, silver, and bronze across their careers. Elliott and Schultz now stand among the most decorated U.S. Paralympic snowboarders in history. 

At just 20 years old, Kate Delson captured a debut gold in the Para snowboarding banked slalom, signaling the arrival of a new generation of elite talent. 

Brenna Huckaby further solidified her legacy, tying as the most decorated Paralympic snowboarder in history. 

In Para alpine skiing, Patrick Halgren earned silver in the men’s super-G standing, marking the first U.S. Paralympic medal for Team USA in the event in 28 years. 

Meanwhile, wheelchair curling delivered one of its strongest showings ever, with Laura Dwyer and Steve Emt leading Team USA to its best-ever finish in mixed doubles. 

Moments That Defined the Games 

Beyond medals, the Games were defined by powerful individual moments. 

CAF ambassador Josh Sweeney delivered strong performances in Para biathlon, finishing 5th and 6th in his events. 

Michael Kneeland made an impressive Paralympic debut, shooting clean in competition, a rare and remarkable feat. 

Dani Aravich achieved two career-best finishes, both in 6th place, continuing to build momentum on the world stage. 

Sixteen-year-old Meg Gustafson, guided by her brother Spenser, finished in the top 10 across all five of their events — showcasing both talent and the power of teamwork. 

And Laurie Stephens brought her career full circle, competing in her final Paralympic race in Italy, the same place where her journey began. 

The Power Behind the Performance 

Every one of these moments is bigger than sport. 

They represent access to opportunity. They reflect the impact of the community. And they demonstrate what is possible when athletes with physical disabilities are given the resources, support, and belief to pursue their goals. 

Through grants, clinics, mentorship, and community, CAF is proud to support athletes at every stage of their journey. From first experiences in sport to the Paralympic podium, CAF helps athletes with physical disabilities access the equipment, training, and opportunities that make it all possible. 

Looking Ahead to Los Angeles 2028 

As the world turns its attention to the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, the momentum continues. 

CAF remains committed to expanding access to sport, supporting athletes with physical disabilities, and ensuring that more athletes have the opportunity to train, compete, and succeed on the global stage. 

The journey to LA28 is already underway, and this community will be there every step, push, and stride of the way.