Top Paralympic Winter Games moments: Netherlands

The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games promise to deliver unforgettable moments. Up to 665 athletes from around 50 National Paralympic Committees are set to compete in six sports – Para alpine skiing, Para biathlon, Para cross-country, Para ice hockey, Para snowboard, and wheelchair curling. 

The Netherlands has a proud history at the Paralympic Winter Games, having won 22 medals across four sports since making its debut more than 40 years ago, and now the Dutch athletes are preparing to write the next chapter in their Paralympic story.

With less than one year to go until Milano Cortina 2026, let's take a look at some of the Netherlands' top moments from the Paralympic Winter Games.

Innsbruck 1984: the Netherlands makes Paralympic Winter Games debut

The Netherlands entered the Paralympic Winter Games for the first time at Innsbruck 1984, joining 20 other nations. Six Dutch athletes competed in Para alpine skiing, Para cross-country skiing, and ice sledge speed skating, laying the foundation for future success.

Lillehammer 1994: Marjorie van de Bunt claims first Dutch gold

Marjorie van de Bunt made history at the Lillehammer 1994 Games, winning the Netherlands’ first Paralympic gold medal in the women’s 7.5km LW2-9 in Para biathlon. She also claimed three bronze medals in Para cross-country skiing.

Over three Paralympic Games, including Nagano 1998 and Salt Lake City 2002, van de Bunt amassed a total of 10 medals: two gold, four silver and four bronze, making her one of the most decorated Dutch Winter Paralympians. 

Sochi 2014: Bibian Mentel-Spee makes Para snowboard history

The late Bibian Mentel-Spee was a trailblazer in Para snowboard, winning gold in the sport’s Paralympic debut at Sochi 2014 in the women’s Para snowboard cross standing event.

“I just loved every single minute of it and I still do,” Mentel-Spee said in 2015. 

“Sochi was so much more than just winning the gold medal to me. Getting the sport there and being there with three of my teammates, who made it there as well, and who we helped develop with my own foundation, the Mentelity Foundation, was amazing.”

“It was so much more than being an athlete out there.”

Mentel-Spee’s legacy extended beyond her medals. She was instrumental in getting Para snowboard included in the Games.

At PyeongChang 2018, she won two more golds despite undergoing major surgeries and cancer treatment. She passed away in 2021, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

PyeongChang 2018: Jeroen Kampschreur wins first Para alpine gold

At just 18 years old, Jeroen Kampschreur made a stunning debut at PyeongChang 2018, winning the Netherlands’ first Para alpine skiing gold medal in the men’s super combined sitting event.

He continued his success at Beijing 2022, earning silver in the same event after finishing just 0.28 seconds behind Norway’s Jesper Pedersen. Kampschreur stood on the podium with new prosthetic legs, joined by teammate Niels de Langen, who took bronze.

Beijing 2022: Chris Vos earns Para snowboard silver and carries the flag

At the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, Chris Vos delivered a standout performance, winning silver in the men’s banked slalom SB-LL1 event. He finished behind China’s Zhongwei Wu, with Canada’s Tyler Turner taking bronze.

Vos and his partner, fellow snowboarder Lisa Bunschoten were the flagbearers for the Netherlands during the Opening Ceremony—a memorable moment for the Dutch team.

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