Shooting star: Team USA’s Kendall Gretsch is on target for Milano Cortina 2026
Team USA’s summer and winter Paralympic legend Kendall Gretsch is hoping for more sharp shooting and sit ski speed as she gears up to defend her Para biathlon gold medal in Italy 02 Feb 2026
A mere 18 months after a memorable dip in the River Seine and a cycle down the famous Champs-Elysees at the Paris 2024 Paralympics triathlon, Kendall Gretsch will be hitting the Italian slopes with equal grit and determination.
Gretsch is one of a handful of overachieving Paralympians who compete in multiple sports across dual seasons.
Born with Spina Bifida, she is the fifth US athlete to claim gold medals at both summer and winter Paralympic Games.
But despite the epic juggling act, hectic travel schedule and extra training commitments, Gretsch has learnt the art of a seamless transition between Para biathlon, Para cross-country skiing and Para triathlon.
“Whatever season I’m in, that’s what I am fully focused on,” she told the IPC.
“It is one sport at a time and focusing on that versus trying to do everything all year long.”
Paralympic Winter Legends: Kendall Gretsch’s Journey to Stardom ⭐❄️
From Paris 2024 to Milano Cortina 2026
Gretsch claimed silver in Para triathlon women’s PTWC event at Paris 2024, continuing a thrilling rivalry with Australian Lauren Parker, whom she beat for gold by a whisker in a sprint finish at Tokyo 2020.
“Competing in Paris was a phenomenal experience. I think they did such a good job of hosting the Paralympics and filling the venues with spectators and providing an excellent atmosphere for the races,” Gretsch said.
Now back in the sit ski and busily preparing for Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, Gretsch is gearing up for another dose of big games energy.
“Hopefully we have a lot of spectators as well who understand the sport and are excited to come out and watch us compete,” she said.
“I think my biggest goal for Milano Cortina is just to have a Games that kind of fully reflects all of the work that I've put into this sport.”
The Paralympic Winter Games return to Italy for the first time since 2006, gathering around 570 athletes across six sports: Para alpine skiing, Para biathlon, Para cross-country skiing, Para ice hockey, Para snowboard and wheelchair curling.
Gretsch, who made her Paralympic debut at PyeongChang 2018, has already checked out the course and is excited for delicious Italian food.
“I think it'll be a beautiful venue,” Gretsch said. “I’ll hopefully have some friends and family that will come over and see me compete.”
Road to greatness
At PyeongChang 2018, Gretsch became the first female athlete from Team USA athlete to win a gold medal in biathlon. She topped the podium in Para cross-country skiing women’s 12 km sitting event and Para biathlon women’s 6km sitting event.
Four years later in Beijing, she served up more razzle dazzle with a gold in the Para biathlon women’s middle distance sitting, silver in the women’s individual sitting and a bronze in the sprint sitting.
But Gretsch never forgets about those who have guided her Paralympic journey and the camaraderie among athletes that is close to her heart.
“I think when you're on the podium, it's a really great time to be able to reflect on all of the work that you've put into the sport and all the people that have also gotten you there,” she said.
“I think for me, my favourite part about competing in sport is just the people that I've been able to meet along the way.”
In 2025, Gretsch has been in dangerous form with a hat trick of gold medals at the Para Biathlon World Championships in Pokljuka.
She was the only athlete to fire 20 accurate shots in the women’s 12.5 km individual sitting event on the final day.
“I really love that biathlon is a balance between skiing really hard... and the focus you have to have while shooting,” she said. “That just adds an extra layer and challenge to the sport.”
Secure your tickets for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games
Milano Cortina 2026, which takes place from 6-15 March 2026, is set to be the most beautiful Paralympic Winter Games yet. Ticket prices start at EUR 10 for children under 14, with approximately 89 per cent of the tickets available for EUR 35 or less.
For more information, please visit tickets.milanocortina2026.org
