Meenagh Aims for Winter Paralympics Medal in Milan-Cortina 2026
British Paralympian Scott Meenagh pursues his first Winter Games medal at Milan-Cortina 2026, fourteen years after a life-changing injury in Afghanistan, as he nears the end of his elite career.
Scott Meenagh has found a purpose in sport after a life-changing injury. Now 36, he heads to his third and final Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina 2026 aiming for a first Paralympic medal.
A life turned upside down and rebuilt
In 2011, while serving with Britain's Parachute Regiment in Afghanistan, Meenagh stepped on an improvised explosive device in Helmand Province. He lost both legs, and a close friend did not survive the blast. The moment forced a new path, but sport helped restore direction and confidence.
From rugby fields to cross-country skis
During rehabilitation, he tried rowing, then shifted to biathlon — a demanding mix of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. His journey from a local club to the world stage began when he joined an inspiration program before the Winter Games in Russia in 2014, which sparked his interest in winter sport.
The turning point: Invictus Games and total commitment
Meenagh competed at the first Invictus Games in 2014, proudly wearing the Great Britain colours in front of family and friends. The experience solidified his love for elite sport and showed him he could pursue a higher level of competition.
Building a high-performance pathway
What started in a coffee shop with a handful of supporters grew into a full high-performance program backed by national funding. He made his Paralympic debut in 2018 in South Korea as Britain's first sit-ski athlete in many years, and Beijing 2022 followed with a solid sixth-place finish. He has since earned two podiums at World Championships — a silver and a bronze — and believes the next Games should yield success.
Looking ahead to Milan-Cortina 2026
With enhanced training, world-class coaching, and ongoing support from UK Sport, Meenagh feels he has earned the right to target medals. He notes that recent World Championship results sharpened his focus, and he fully expects to challenge for medals in biathlon this time around.
Expert comment: Analysts say Meenagh's progression aligns with a well-funded, high-performance pathway, giving him a credible shot at a podium. If he maintains precision in shooting and endurance in skiing, a strong result is within reach.
Summary
Scott Meenagh's story highlights remarkable resilience, showing how sport can rebuild lives after trauma. His shift to biathlon blends stamina, technique, and strategy, and Milan-Cortina 2026 could bring his first Paralympic medal with the right form and support.
Key insight: Meenagh's journey illustrates how sport can transform adversity into podium potential. Source: BBC Sport.
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