Milano Cortina 2026: Wheelchair curling mixed doubles champions crowned on Day 5

All eyes will be on the Cortina Olympic Curling Stadium for the first medals of wheelchair curling in the inaugural mixed doubles finals. There are also six medal events for Para cross-country skiing on Day 5 (11 March) of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. 

Wheelchair curling’s time to shine

After seven days of competition, the first opportunity for medals is finally here in wheelchair curling and the crowd can’t wait. The inaugural wheelchair curling mixed doubles tournament will conclude on Day 5. 

China will face off against Republic of Korea in the gold medal match, while Latvia will go up against the USA in the battle for bronze. 

In the gold medal match, China’s Jinqiao Yang is the youngest player in the tournament, at 24, but carries a confidence in his ability going in the final.

"I think I have enough experience. I think the most important thing on the ice is to play well. This is my first time at the Paralympics, so I'll focus on my own game and do my best,” he said. 

For Republic of Korea’s Hyejin Baek, guaranteeing the silver medal is a dream in itself, saying:

"First off, I'm incredibly happy and joyful. It feels like I've reached the very place I'd always imagined, right before my eyes, so it all seems like a dream. I still can't quite believe it.

The Republic of Korea duo of Baek and Yongsuk Lee are even relishing the opportunity to face China again, after losing to them 6-10 in the qualifiers.

"Since we lost to them in the qualifiers, we have already discussed what areas need improvement. We're actually rather pleased to face China again. We're studying their strengths and weaknesses extensively,” said Baek.

Meanwhile, the mixed team event round robin continues with six games.

Para cross-country skiing action continues

Para cross-country skiers will hit the trails again at Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium for the 10km events with the interval start in the sitting, standing and visual-impaired categories. 

Medal events start the day strong from 09:45 CET, and the pace is on with six medal events back-to-back.

After not qualifying in the men’s sprint sitting race, the interval start is another chance for Italian Giuseppe Romele as he continues to target a home medal. For Romele the interval start is an opportunity to showcase his endurance and speed in front of a home crowd. 

Fan-favourites El Salvador will be back again after competing in their first Paralympic race ever on 10 March. Representing the first time the nation competed at a Paralympic Winter Games, David Chavez and Jonathan Arias are excited for another chance to be back on snow, especially since the sun has been shining in Val di Fiemme.

“Honestly, I love El Salvador, the heat, the beach, the coconuts. But, I also like it here in the snow a lot. Truly, both are my favourites, the sun and the snow,” said Arias.

“In fact, today we have good weather; I have sun similar to El Salvador and I have snow here in Italy. So yes, I feel very comfortable. Like in the beach.”

Meanwhile, USA is expected to continue its dominance, with Kendall Gretsch and Oksana Masters facing each other once again in the women’s sitting event.

Athletes will be giving it their all, ahead of a break day on 12 March. Para cross-country skiing competition will return on 14 March for the final two days of competition. 

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