The inspiring LGBTQ+ athletes to cheer for at the 2026 Winter Paralympics
Michael O’Hearn, Jake Adicoff and Jo Butterfield are part of Team LGBTQ+ at the Paralympic Winter Games. (Elsa/Carmen Mandato/Euan Cherry/Getty))
Following Team LGBTQ+’s success at the Winter Olympics, we’re hoping for some more medals from queer stars at the 2026 Winter Paralympics.
At the Milan Olympics, a record-breaking 11 medals were won across multiple sports by members of Team LGBTQ+. Additionally, a number of stars cemented themselves as fan favourites, from Amber Glenn to Gus Kenworthy.
The 14th edition of the Winter Paralympic Games is being hosted by Milano Cortina in Italy and taking place across multiple venues from 6-15 March.
More than 600 athletes from 56 countries will be taking part, and among them are several LGBTQ+ stars. Here are some of the Team LGBTQ+ athletes to cheer on:
Jake Adicoff
Gay Paralympic cross-country skier Jake Adicoff is a four-time Paralympic medalist and one to watch. The 30-year-old American competed in the 2014 and 2018 games, picking up three silvers and one gold medal.
Adicoff is an openly gay athlete and he has been involved in LGBTQ+ athlete advocacy, including working with the Out Athlete Fund.
Adicoff has been visually impaired since birth and is regarded among the best vision-impaired skiers in the world.
Speaking to OutSports ahead of the Paralympics, Adicoff said: “We, as para athletes, have a very important role to showcase ability, to showcase that there is this high level of sport that you can achieve.
“I think that same thing is really necessary for queers in sports,” he also added.
Jo Butterfield
Part of Team LGBTQ+ and Team GB, Jo Butterfield has quite the Paralympic history.
Butterfield competed in the Paralympic club and discus throw. At the 2016 Games, she set a World record in the club throw event and won gold. However, in 2022, she switched sports to wheelchair curling.
At the Milan Games, Butterfield is competing in the mixed doubles wheelchair curling. On Thursday (5 March), Butterfield and Jason Kean secured their first win, defeating Latvia 6-5. Also, the win was needed after Wednesday’s (4 March) defeat to the world number one team, South Korea.
“Since I first became a Paralympian, I’ve carried the dream of pushing boundaries and seeing what’s possible,” Butterfield told the BBC. Butterfield was left paralysed after undergoing surgery to remove a tumour from her spine.
“To now have the opportunity to go for gold at both a summer and winter Paralympics is something I’m incredibly proud of.”
Michael O’Hearn
Another representative of Team USA is Michael O’Hearn who will be taking to the slopes for Alpine Ski Racing.
O’Hearn, who was born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, started getting to grips with skiing at three-years old. This year’s Paralympics will mark his first Games as he makes his debut in the men’s standing alpine events.
O’Hearn will compete in the slalom event, and he’s clearly up for the challenge. Posting on Instagram about the news he qualified for the Paralympics, O’Hearn wrote: “Ski racing is my purpose. My sanctuary and my happy place. My anatomical freedom.
“The introspection, the peace, the breath and the adrenaline in the same beat. I’ve worked my tirelessly to reach this milestone and it’s completely surreal.
He also added: “I’m so proud. I’ve given everything to this sport and in return it’s given me everything.”
Winter Paralympics 2026 events
The Winter Paralympic Games consist of six sports held over 10 days. Those sports include: para-alpine skiing, wheelchair curling, para-snowboard, para-biathlon, para-cross country skiing and also para-ice hockey.
The six sports are divided into categories, so there are 79 events in total. For example, alpine skiing includes five different events: slalom, giant slalom, super-G, downhill and super combined.
In the UK, you can watch the Winter Paralympics 2026 on Channel 4. Live coverage will be available on Channel 4, streaming and also the Channel 4 Sport YouTube.
Additionally, the broadcaster will have a half-hour round-up every evening, from 6:30pm.
