Road to Milano Cortina 2026: Para biathlete Leonie Maria Walter’s “big adventure”

When Leonie Maria Walter is asked about her expectations for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, the German athlete describes the event as a “big adventure.” 

The 22-year-old is no stranger to elite competition. She is preparing for her second Paralympic Games as one of the biggest stars in Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing. 

Four years ago at Beijing 2022, Walter surprised Paralympic fans by beating defending champion Oksana Shyshkova in the women’s middle-distance VI event in Para biathlon. Competing with guide Pirmin Strecker, Walter hit all her targets on the shooting range and finished seconds ahead of the Ukrainian 15-time Paralympic medallist. 

That was a “cool moment” that cemented Walter’s status in Para biathlon. She also claimed three bronze medals – two in Para biathlon and one in Para cross-country skiing – on her Paralympic debut. 

She was only 18 and among the youngest Para biathletes at the Zhangjiakou National Biathlon Centre.

“Para biathlon in Beijing was a very cool competition. I had never been to such a big competition, and I had lots of fun there,” she said. 

Journey to Milano Cortina 2026

Fast forward to 2026. Walter, who has a vision impairment, says her biggest goal at the Games is to enjoy every moment both on and off the snow. The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will take place from 6–15 March and feature 79 medal events, including 18 in Para biathlon.

“My preparation for Milano Cortina is, in the summer I go cycling a lot and in the winter I go full-time skiing and do a lot of training,” she said. “I feel excited because this is a big adventure.”

Para biathlon, which combines cross-country skiing and target shooting, is one of six sports on the Paralympic programme, alongside Para alpine skiing, Para cross-country skiing, Para ice hockey, Para snowboard and wheelchair curling.

Walter says her experience at Beijing 2022 will help her when she competes at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium in Val di Fiemme .

“Milano Cortina will be my second Games. I want to have a lot of fun there,” she said.

“I competed in Beijing and I know what I have to do. My family can be there at Milano Cortina and I hope it’s a great competition.” 

Having fun

Walter began skiing at age five and took up biathlon about three years later. She joined Germany’s Para Nordic skiing team, and she made her World Cup debut when she was a teenager.

She says the versatility of Para biathlon continues to impress her, and the training never gets old.

“What I enjoy the most in Para biathlon is how there are many things to train – you can go jogging, you can go cycling. You have the snow in the winter,” she said. “It’s not the same every time.”

But there are also challenges when competing, especially when working with a sighted guide who navigates the course through voice.

“I think the difficult thing about Para biathlon is the technique in skiing because I don’t see the movements of my guide. So, the trainers tell me anything he does, and I have to copy that only based on the words.”

Walter’s big adventure at Milano Cortina 2026 begins in two months.

“Para sport changed my life. I can meet other people with disabilities and learn more about them and have fun,” she said. “My biggest dream is to be the best version of myself and work on myself.” 

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