7 hours ago - Sports

Names to know ahead of the 2026 Winter Paralympics

Team USA's Paralympic roster includes multi-sport athletes, a pilot and a Purple Heart recipient.

The big picture: The United States is sending 72 competitors to Italy, five more than it did for the 2022 Games in Beijing.

What we're watching: The 2026 Milan Cortina Games run March 6-15 and all events will stream on Peacock and broadcast channels USA, CNBC and NBC.

Oksana Masters

Para Nordic Skiing; Louisville, Kentucky.

Sled Hockey; San Francisco, California.

Lee recorded 16 saves in his first start as goalie in the 2022 Games, helping Team USA win their fifth sled hockey gold medal.

Para snowboarding; Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

After losing her right leg to cancer at 14, the three-time gold medalist learned to snowboard while on a rehabilitation trip to Utah.

Wheelchair curling; Oconomowoc and DeForest, Wisconsin.

These Wisconsinites will compete together in the mixed doubles event, which makes its Paralympic debut this year.

Para Alpine Skiing; Palmer, Alaska

Outside of competition, the gold medalist is a pilot, has worked as a country music DJ, and owns a bed and breakfast in Alaska.

Para snowboarding; San Diego, California.

The 20-year old is making her debut at the games as the youngest member of the U.S. Para snowboarding team.

Para Nordic Skiing; Glendale, Arizona.

In 2014, this Purple Heart recipient won a gold medal in sled hockey before switching to cross-country skiing, where he has competed since 2022.