The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics concluded with a historic performance by Team USA, as American athletes secured 24 total medals, including 13 golds. This marked the nation’s strongest gold-medal showing in two decades, lifting the U.S. to second place in the overall standings behind China.
The Games’ final hours featured a masterclass in dominance on the ice. The U.S. men’s sled hockey team defeated rival Canada 6-2 to claim an unprecedented fifth consecutive gold medal. Star forward Declan Farmer cemented his status as a living legend, becoming the all-time leading scorer in Paralympic history at just 28 years old, while Jack Wallace was named the tournament’s best defender.
On the snow, the “Queen of the Paralympics,” Oksana Masters, defied the odds. Despite battling a concussion and injury prior to the Games, Masters captured four golds and a bronze in Nordic skiing and biathlon. Her career total now stands at a staggering 24 medals. Joining her in the record books was Jake Adicoff, who set a new U.S. record for the most Para cross-country golds in a single Games by sweeping four events with his guides.
The Alpine and snowboarding events provided emotional highlights and “changing of the guard” moments. Veteran Mike Schultz signed off on his legendary career with a bronze in banked slalom, while newcomer Kate Delson made a dazzling debut, taking home gold. In Alpine skiing, Patrick Halgren wowed the world with a silver medal in the super-G, the first for a U.S. standing skier since 1998, dedicating the win to his late twin brother.
As the flame was extinguished in Cortina d’Ampezzo, IPC President Andrew Parsons hailed the Games as a triumph of human spirit. For Team USA, the 2026 Games were more than just a medal count; they were a testament to resilience, as veterans and rookies alike expanded the boundaries of what is possible.
