Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – As the Winter Paralympics in Italy draw to a close, the German team has announced its flag bearers for the closing ceremony: alpine skier Andrea Rothfuss and snowboarder Christian Schmiedt. The pair will lead the German delegation into the Curling Stadium in Cortina d’Ampezzo, marking a poignant moment for both athletes, particularly Rothfuss, who is competing in her final Paralympic Games.
The German Paralympic Committee (DBS) revealed the selection on the penultimate day of competition. According to Chef de Mission Marc Möllmann, Rothfuss was chosen for her inspiring personality and openness about her struggles with mental health, making her a role model for many. Schmiedt, Möllmann added, is a pioneer in Para snowboard, instrumental in establishing the sport within Germany and fostering diversity in the Paralympic movement.
This marks the second time Rothfuss, 36, will carry the German flag at a Paralympic Games. She previously had the honor at the opening ceremony in Sochi. “That was a very special moment, I could hardly believe it,” Rothfuss said. “To be able to carry the flag again at my last Games is simply indescribable.”
Rothfuss’s Paralympic journey began in Turin 20 years ago, and she reached her peak with a slalom gold medal at the 2014 Sochi Games. Throughout her six Paralympic appearances, she has amassed an impressive collection of 14 medals. Her recent performance in Cortina d’Ampezzo included competing in the slalom, marking the end of a distinguished career.
For Schmiedt, 37, the selection as flag bearer came as a surprise. These Games in Italy were his second Paralympic appearance, following his debut in Beijing 2022. He finished ninth in the snowboard cross and tenth in the banked slalom in Cortina. “I didn’t expect to be chosen at all and was completely surprised,” Schmiedt stated. “It’s something very special, and I’m very happy and will proudly carry the German flag.”
The German team’s participation in the closing ceremony is a shift from the opening ceremony, where they were not present. However, some athletes will be absent from the ceremony itself. Earlier in the Games, alpine skier Anna-Lena Forster and Para ice hockey player Jörg Wedde carried the German flag during the opening ceremony in Verona.
Rothfuss’s journey to these Games was particularly remarkable, as she returned to competition in December after a two-year hiatus due to depression. Her comeback and participation in Cortina d’Ampezzo were, in her words, a personal victory. Schmiedt’s dedication has also been key to the growth of Para snowboard in Germany, ensuring greater inclusivity within the Paralympic landscape.
The closing ceremony will bring an end to the 2026 Winter Paralympics, leaving behind a legacy of athletic achievement and inspiring stories. Rothfuss and Schmiedt, as flag bearers, will embody the spirit of the Games as they lead the German team in a final display of national pride.
What’s Next: The Paralympic Games conclude on March 15th. Further updates and medal tallies can be found on the official Paralympic website: https://www.paralympic.org/
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