MILAN CORTINA, Italy – Aurélie Richard of France added to her remarkable Paralympic Games debut, securing a bronze medal in the women’s standing giant slalom on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The 20-year-old has now medaled in all four of her races at the Milan Cortina Games, a feat that underscores her rapid ascent in para-alpine skiing.
Richard’s bronze marks the tenth medal for the French delegation at these Paralympics. She had previously claimed silver medals in the downhill, super-G, and super-combined events, establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with in the women’s standing category.
“It’s different, it’s a different color and pretty,” Richard said, smiling after the race, acknowledging the significance of adding bronze to her collection. While unable to challenge the dominant Ebba Aarsjoe of Sweden, Richard’s consistency has been a hallmark of her performance throughout the competition.
Aarsjoe took gold with a combined time of 2:22.42, leaving Russia’s Varvara Voronchikhina to settle for silver (+2.84). Richard finished just over four and a half seconds behind Aarsjoe (+4.62), a result she can be proud of given the demanding course and accumulating fatigue.
The young French skier openly admitted to feeling the strain of competing in multiple events. “The fatigue is really building up and I’m starting to feel it,” she told France TV. Despite acknowledging that her skiing wasn’t as fluid as in previous races, her determination allowed her to remain among the world’s elite.
Richard’s journey to Paralympic success is particularly inspiring. Born with agenesis of the left forearm, she has overcome physical challenges to excel in a demanding sport. Her performance at the 2023 World Para Alpine Skiing Championships, where she secured silver medals in the downhill and slalom, and a bronze in the alpine combined, signaled her potential. She continued to build on that momentum, winning gold medals in the giant slalom and Super-G standing events at the 2025 Winter World University Games in Turin.
Prior to the Paralympics, Richard had already demonstrated her dominance on the World Cup circuit, claiming the 2025-26 FIS Para Alpine Ski World Cup crystal globe in the downhill and the overall World Cup title. Her selection to represent France at the 2026 Winter Paralympics was a testament to her dedication and skill.
The competition in Milan Cortina has been fierce, but Richard has consistently proven her ability to perform under pressure. Her four medals in four races are a remarkable achievement for a 20-year-old competing in her first Paralympic Games. This performance solidifies her position as a rising star in para-alpine skiing and a key athlete for the French team.
While Aarsjoe has established herself as the athlete to beat in the standing category, Richard’s consistent podium finishes demonstrate her potential to challenge for gold in future competitions. Her resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit build her an athlete to watch in the years to approach.
Richard will look to continue her impressive run as the Paralympic Games continue in Milan Cortina. The remaining events offer further opportunities for her to add to her medal tally and cement her legacy as one of France’s most promising para-athletes.
The next event for Aurélie Richard is yet to be confirmed, but updates will be available on the official Paralympic Games website and through French team channels. Fans can follow her progress and cheer on the French delegation as they compete for more medals in the coming days.
