Milano Cortina 2026: Top moments from Day 4

We bring you the triumphs, the upsets and the top stories from the snow and ice at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Here are our top moments from Day 4 (10 March). 

Flurry of Italian Para alpine medals 

Italy has already outdone its Beijing 2022 medal tally of seven, reaching nine on Day 4 of Milano Cortina 2026.

Italian Para alpine skiers netted a gold and three silvers in the combined events.

Giacomo Bertagnolli led the way, winning the men’s vision impaired combined. 

“This was the first goal we had since we started training four years ago, and I can't be more proud,” he said. "Winning here in Italy is something that is really hard to describe.

“I'm going to sleep for two days because I'm so tired. I have so much pain in my knees and back right now. I need to have a rest, a lot of power naps, and then I'm ready to compete again in a couple of days.”

Italian flagbearers Chiara Mazzel and Rene de Silvestro claimed silvers in the women’s combined VI and the men’s combined sitting respectively, while Federico Pelizzari took silver in the men’s combined standing.

The Austrian Aigner siblings remain on track to collect 10 medals between them in the VI category. In the combined event, Veronika won gold, while Johannes settled for bronze.

First Paralympic medal for Brazil 

Cristian Westemaier Ribera came to Tereso Cross-Country Skiing Stadium with a clear goal: to win Brazil’s first Winter Paralympic medal. And he delivered with a silver in the Para cross-country skiing competition in the men’s sitting sprint.

“I was crying because I realised my dream came true,” Ribera said after crossing the finish line. “We don’t have snow so we have to train on roller skis. It’s very different, it’s very difficult, but I’m here, representing Brazil and I’m very happy." 

Meanwhile, the USA’s Oksana Masters collected her 21st Paralympic medal and an 11th gold, taking out the women’s sitting sprint.  

“I counted myself out, because I'm a climber. I like gritty, hard courses, and this was very flat, very fast, and so I was really nervous,” she said.   

David Chavez and Jonathan Arias competed as the first Winter Paralympians for El Salvador, with Chavez placing 27th and Arias 36th in the men’s sitting sprint. 

North Americans prevail in finals sneak preview

In Para ice hockey, the semifinal matchups were confirmed, with the USA to face Czechia, and Canada to face China. 

Fans had a sneak preview of the last four in the final round of preliminary matches, with those fixtures being reversed.

There was no sign of the gulf to North America narrowing, though: the USA beat Beijing 2022 bronze medallists China 7-1, while Canada beat Czechia 4-1.

But USA coach David Hoff said China were no easy proposition.

“What I liked today was the test we got in terms of the pace of the game, the speed of the decisions. China's a team that skates really, really well. Today we had to do it at a much higher pace. I really liked the challenge that presented.”

China, who were not helped by their 18 penalty minutes, at least have something to build on.

"Playing against such a strong team definitely gives us a lot of takeaways, on the offensive and defensive side,” said forward Zhidong Wang. "They are very agile and fast. So this is something we need to learn."  

Canada win heavyweight curling clash

Canada’s wheelchair curling mixed team outclassed reigning champions China 9-4 at the Cortina Olympic Curling Stadium. 

China is pursuing a hat trick of gold medals, while Canada is the only nation to take a medal at every Paralympic Winter Games. As Canadian curler Jon Thurston said, the fixture always produces “good battles”.

"When you're playing with teams this highly skilled, just half a miss gives the other team that opportunity,” he said, adding that Canada’s secret was “just capitalising on really good setups”. 

“Collinda Joseph made a pair of beauties and we were able to get a good setup in that last end and capitalised with four and closed out the game.”

Canada are the only undefeated team after six matches, while China sit second in the standings.

In the mixed doubles, China advanced to the gold medal final on 11 March against Republic of Korea. Latvia will battle for bronze against the USA.

Where to watch and listen to the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games

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