Behind the scenes at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games
High Performance Sport New Zealand Physiotherapist Helene Barron and Performance Psychologist Sarah de Wattignar were part of the NZ Paralympic Team support staff who helped guide Adam Hall to a Men’s Slalom Standing silver medal and supported Corey Peters to three top six finishes at Milano Cortina 2026.
For Helene, who has worked closely with Adam since shortly after the Beijing 2022 cycle and travels extensively with the Para alpine skiing programme, Milano Cortina 2026 was the culmination of years of planning between HPSNZ, Snow Sports NZ, and Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ).
“We’d done a heap of planning and preparation, and it showed,” says Helene. “When things cropped up, and they always do, it never felt like a surprise because we’d already talked through so many scenarios. It was a real demonstration of three organisations working seamlessly together.”
For Sarah, supporting both Paralympians on the ground meant stepping into new relationships quickly while maintaining the discipline and ethical clarity required of her role.
“My job wasn’t to introduce anything new at that late stage, but to reinforce the coping strategies and resilience Adam and Corey already had. These guys deal with adversity in ways most people can’t imagine—and they do it with calm, humour and focus.
“There was a surealness in the village and venue, being in the midst of the dramatic Dolomites combined with the speed and technical agility of alpine skiing, athletes seemed to lack any real risk aversion, and it felt as though they were on the frontlines of battle. Teams from all over the world dressed in uniform, navigating challenges, supporting each other and adapting constantly was a celebration of difference and capability.”
Both Helene and Sarah highlight the strength of the team culture as the true standout of the Games.
Helene reflects on a moment after competition finished: “We sat together as a team, and while Adam’s medal was part of the celebration, the bigger story was the way this group has come together. The support, the respect, the genuine care — those elements have been consistent all season, and they were so powerful here.”
Sarah echoes this, noting the Games environment underscored the unique and inspiring nature of Para sport.
“There’s a phenomenal atmosphere in the Athletes’ Village. You see Paralympians from all over the world navigating challenges, supporting each other, adapting constantly. It’s futuristic in a way — this incredible celebration of difference and capability.”
For both women, being part of the NZ Paralympic Team was a privilege and a reminder of the impact HPSNZ’s people have when they bring their expertise, commitment and adaptability into high performance environments.
“Exhausted, but full of joy,” Helene said as the team prepared to pack up. “To see everything come together when it mattered — it’s an amazing feeling.”