live blog
We serve exclusive insights, a lot of service, the most important decisions, special moments, curiosities and funny things from the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Italy in the live blog.
11:52 a.m
Sanremo as a transition between the Olympics and Paralympics
Between the Olympic and Paralympic Games, a third major event took place in Italy – the Sanremo Music Festival. In Liguria, in the north of Italy, at the oldest pop music competition in Europe, the focus this time was not only on the artists, but also on sport. Italian Olympic champions were able to celebrate and the Paralympics team got in the mood for the games in their own country.
The visually impaired alpine skier Giacomo Bertagnolli couldn’t hide his anticipation: “We are very excited. Both because we are on stage here in Sanremo, but above all because we will be in Cortina in a few days. We still have to prove ourselves, but we are prepared. But what I would like most would be the support of all of Italy – from everyone,” said the 27-year-old.
11:47 am
Stone theft while curling
Even before the official start of the Paralympic Games on Friday, a theft in curling is causing a stir. Two stones for the wheelchair curling competition that started on Wednesday were stolen from the curling stadium in Cortina, the World Curling Association announced. The theft is being investigated by local authorities.
The stones were previously used in the Olympic mixed doubles tournament, which is being held for the first time at the Paralympics. The theft has no impact on competition. The replacement stones have been made to the same specifications as the other stones in the game and will be used in place of the stolen granite stones, it said. German athletes are not taking part in the curling competitions.
10:58 am
Who will be the German? Paralympics top star?
Anna-Lena Forster (alpine skiing), Johanna Recktenwald and Marco Maier (biathlon/cross-country skiing), Jörg Wedde (para ice hockey) – Team Germany will compete at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina with a line-up of veterans and hopeful talents. Who has what it takes to be a high-flyer in the games? Sportschau.de named the top stars in the German Paralympics team.
02/22/2026 • 9:50 p.m
Paralympics competitions start with Curling surprise
Two days before the opening ceremony, Italy made its first statement in wheelchair curling. The Paralympics host won the mixed doubles premiere in wheelchair curling 7:5 against world number one South Korea. China also celebrated a surprise by beating world champions Japan 10-3.
