AMPEZZO, Italy – Chiara Mazzel of Italy delivered a stunning performance on Tuesday, securing the gold medal in the women’s Super-G at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. The victory marks a triumphant moment for the 29-year-ancient, adding to her silver medal from the downhill event earlier in the Games and providing a significant boost for the Italian team.
Mazzel finished the Super-G course with a time of 1’14″84, besting Austria’s Veronika Aigner by 0.60 seconds. Slovakia’s Alexandra Rexova claimed the bronze medal, finishing 4.85 seconds behind Mazzel. The race took place on the Olympia delle Tofane course in Cortina d’Ampezzo, a venue already steeped in alpine skiing history after hosting memorable moments during the recent Olympic Winter Games.
This gold medal represents a particularly sweet victory for Mazzel, who expressed some disappointment with her performance in the downhill competition. Today’s race offered her a chance to rebound, and she seized it emphatically. The Super-G event, part of the visually impaired category, requires a delicate balance of speed and precision, and Mazzel, guided by Nicola Cotti Cottini, navigated the challenging Tofane course flawlessly.
Aigner, who won gold in the Women’s Downhill Vision Impaired event, proved a formidable competitor, but Mazzel’s run was simply too strong. Rexova continued her strong showing at the Paralympics, securing her second medal of the Games. Another Italian athlete, Martina Vozza, finished just off the podium in fourth place, a mere 0.90 seconds behind Rexova, demonstrating the growing strength of the Italian Paralympic team.
The success of Mazzel follows on the heels of Federica Brignone’s achievements at the Olympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina, creating a wave of excitement for Italian alpine skiing. Mazzel’s victory underscores Italy’s growing prowess in Paralympic alpine sports, and the nation will be looking to build on this momentum as the Games continue.
Mazzel’s journey to the podium hasn’t been without its challenges. Competing in the visually impaired category requires an exceptional partnership between athlete and guide, and the trust and communication between Mazzel and Cotti Cottini were clearly evident in their successful run. The guide plays a crucial role, providing verbal instructions and guidance to assist the athlete navigate the course safely and efficiently.
For those unfamiliar, the Super-G is a speed event in alpine skiing that combines elements of both downhill and giant slalom. It’s known for its challenging terrain and requires skiers to maintain high speeds while navigating a course with a variety of turns and obstacles. The Olympia delle Tofane course is renowned for its steep slopes and demanding conditions, making Mazzel’s victory all the more impressive.
The Italian team’s performance at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics has been a source of national pride. The Games, which run through March 15th, are showcasing the incredible athleticism and determination of athletes from around the world. Italy is hoping to continue adding to its medal count as competitions in other sports get underway.
Vozza, despite missing out on a medal, delivered a strong performance with her guide, Ylenia Sabidussi. Her fourth-place finish highlights the depth of talent within the Italian Paralympic team and suggests a promising future for the athlete. The Super-G event demonstrated the competitive spirit and skill of the athletes in the visually impaired category.
The Paralympics are a celebration of athletic achievement and human resilience. Mazzel’s gold medal is a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and the power of teamwork. Her victory will undoubtedly inspire athletes and fans around the globe.
Next up for the alpine skiing program at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics are the technical events, including slalom and giant slalom. The competition is expected to be fierce, and Italian athletes will be looking to continue their success on home snow. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the Paralympics.
