MILAN CORTINA, Italy – Cécile Hernandez, at 51 years old, has once again proven her dominance in para-snowboard cross, securing the gold medal at the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. This victory marks not only a personal triumph for the French athlete, but similarly the first gold medal for France at these Games.
Hernandez, competing in the SB-LL2 category, finished ahead of American Kate Delson and China’s Wang Xinyu to claim her fifth Paralympic medal. The win solidifies her status as a pioneer in the sport and a beacon of resilience, particularly after a challenging preparation period.
The French athlete’s journey to this gold medal is particularly inspiring. Hernandez initially found success as a BMX racer before transitioning to snowboarding. In 2002, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which caused paralysis in her legs for two months. After a period of focusing on writing, publishing two books and working as a journalist for Europe 1 and Le Figaro, she rediscovered snowboarding in 2013, leading to her selection for the French Paralympic team just a month before the 2014 Sochi Games.
Hernandez’s previous Paralympic achievements include a silver medal from Sochi 2014, a silver and bronze from PyeongChang 2018, and a gold medal from Beijing 2022. She has consistently demonstrated her ability to overcome adversity and perform at the highest level. This latest victory adds another remarkable chapter to her already impressive career.
Serving as the flag bearer for the French delegation at the Milan Cortina Games, Hernandez faced preparation hurdles due to injuries and challenges with her mental health. Despite these obstacles, she demonstrated remarkable fortitude and determination to reach the top of the podium. Her performance is a testament to her unwavering spirit and dedication to her sport.
The French team’s success at Milan Cortina doesn’t complete with Hernandez’s gold. Prior to Sunday’s victory, Aurélie Richard and Arthur Bauchet had already secured silver medals in para ski-alpin, contributing to a growing medal count for the French delegation. Hernandez’s gold medal provides a significant boost to the team’s momentum and morale.
Cécile Hernandez competes for Les Angles and France Douanes, in addition to the French national Paralympic team. Beyond her athletic pursuits, she continues to work as a customs officer, journalist, and writer, showcasing her diverse talents and commitment to multiple fields.
The SB-LL2 category, in which Hernandez competes, includes snowboarders with impairments in one or both legs. The snowboard cross event involves racers navigating a course with jumps, berms, and rollers, testing their speed, agility, and technical skills. Hernandez’s ability to master these challenges is a key factor in her success.
This victory is particularly significant as it represents a culmination of years of dedication and perseverance. Hernandez’s story is one of overcoming obstacles and achieving excellence, inspiring athletes and individuals around the world. Her gold medal in Milan Cortina is a fitting tribute to her remarkable journey.
The Milan Cortina Paralympic Winter Games continue through March 16th. Fans can follow the action and find more information on the official Paralympic website. Hernandez is expected to compete in the snowboard cross event again, offering another opportunity to witness her exceptional talent and determination.
What’s next for Hernandez? She will continue to compete in the snowboard cross event at the Milan Cortina Paralympics, aiming to further solidify her legacy as one of the sport’s greatest athletes. The focus will also be on her continued advocacy for female para-athletes and ensuring equal opportunities within the sport.
