Australia names Ben Tudhope and Georgia Gunew as flag-bearers for Winter Paralympics opening ceremony
Australia honors experienced para-snowboarder Ben Tudhope and debutant para-alpine skier Georgia Gunew as they lead the national team into the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Milano Cortina.
Australia has officially announced that para-snowboarder Ben Tudhope and para-alpine skier Georgia Gunew will carry the nation’s flag at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Italy. The ceremony marks the beginning of the highly anticipated Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, where athletes from around the world will compete across multiple winter sports disciplines.
The decision reflects a balance between experience and emerging talent in Australia’s Paralympic team. Tudhope represents the seasoned side of the squad, while Gunew symbolizes a new generation of athletes making their mark on the international stage.
Ben Tudhope, a veteran of the Paralympic movement, will compete at his fourth Winter Paralympic Games in 2026. His journey in elite sport began remarkably early when he became the youngest competitor at the 2014 Winter Paralympics in Sochi at just 14 years old. Since then, he has steadily built a reputation as one of Australia’s most successful winter para-athletes.
Over the years, Tudhope has demonstrated consistency and determination in para-snowboarding. His bronze medal at the 2022 Winter Paralympics in Beijing was Australia’s only medal at those Games, highlighting both his individual talent and the challenges faced by the nation’s winter Paralympic program.
Beyond Paralympic success, Tudhope has also excelled on the World Cup circuit. He became the first Australian winter Olympian or Paralympian to win 50 World Cup medals, an achievement that underlines his longevity and elite performance in the sport.
Speaking about the honour of carrying the flag, Tudhope emphasized the unique spirit of the Paralympic community. He noted that within the Paralympic environment, athletes are judged not by their disabilities but by their performance and dedication to sport.
Sharing the responsibility will be Georgia Gunew, a rising star in para-alpine skiing who will make her Paralympic debut at the 2026 Games. Gunew’s path to the Paralympics has been shaped by resilience and determination. As a teenager, she was forced to give up playing field hockey after her eyesight deteriorated due to a genetic condition.
Rather than stepping away from sport entirely, she embraced a new in alpine skiing. Training with guide skier Ethan Jackson, Gunew has rapidly progressed through the international para-alpine circuit. The pair rely on constant communication during races, with Jackson skiing ahead and relaying instructions via a headset so Gunew can navigate the course safely and competitively.
Being selected as a flag-bearer for her first Paralympics came as a surprise for the 22-year-old athlete. She described the moment as emotional and almost unimaginable when she reflected on the difficulties she faced earlier in life after losing her vision.
Officials from Paralympics Australia said the duo perfectly represents the balance of experience and promise within the team. According to team leadership, Tudhope embodies leadership and international success, while Gunew represents the exciting future of Australian winter para-sport.
The opening ceremony will take place at the historic Verona Arena, where athletes from dozens of nations will gather for the traditional parade of nations. The Paralympic Winter Games will run from 6 to 15 March 2026, bringing together competitors across sports such as alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and biathlon.
International Paralympic Committee
For Australia, the appointment of Tudhope and Gunew as flag-bearers signals both pride in established champions and confidence in the next generation. As the team marches into the stadium under the green and gold flag, the pair will represent the resilience, diversity and ambition that define the Paralympic movement.
Their presence at the front of the delegation will not only celebrate athletic achievement but also highlight the inspiring journeys that many Paralympians undertake to reach the world stage. For both athletes, carrying the Australian flag will be a moment that symbolizes years of dedication, perseverance and belief in what is possible.
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Fiaz Ahmed
I am Fiaz Ahmed. I am a passionate writer. I love covering trending topics and breaking news. With a sharp eye for what’s happening around the world, and crafts timely and engaging stories that keep readers informed and updated.
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