Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – Giacomo Bertagnolli, guided by Andrea Ravelli, claimed the gold medal in the men’s vision-impaired alpine combined event at the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games on Tuesday. The victory marks Bertagnolli’s eleventh Paralympic medal and a significant milestone for the Italian team, equaling their medal count from Beijing 2022 but with one additional gold.
The race, held on the Olympia piste at Cortina d’Ampezzo, was tightly contested. Bertagnolli and Ravelli demonstrated their experience and skill to secure the top spot, finishing just ahead of Great Britain’s Neil Simpson and his guide Rob Poth by a mere 65 hundredths of a second. Austria’s Johannes Aigner, with Nico Haberl as his guide, rounded out the podium with a bronze medal, 1.04 seconds behind the Italian duo.
“I had promised myself this, and I’ve never experienced anything like it,” Bertagnolli said, reflecting on the emotional weight of the victory. “I really wanted to bring home the gold. I felt a bit disoriented, my legs were aching, but I started with everything I had. The first few gates in the slalom were difficult, I couldn’t spot much, but then I focused solely on that gold, and I gave it everything I had until the finish.”
This gold medal adds to a successful Paralympic Games for Bertagnolli and Ravelli, who have already secured a silver medal in the super-G and a bronze in the downhill event. The Italian pair will continue their competition at the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympics with entries in the giant slalom and slalom events, aiming to add to their medal tally.
The win is particularly meaningful as it occurs on home soil, adding to the excitement and national pride surrounding the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. The event is showcasing the incredible athleticism and determination of para-athletes from around the globe, and Bertagnolli’s victory is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Italian team.
The alpine combined event tests a skier’s versatility, requiring proficiency in both slalom and downhill disciplines. Bertagnolli’s ability to excel in both aspects of the race was crucial to his success. The vision-impaired category requires a high level of trust and communication between the athlete and their guide, and the seamless partnership between Bertagnolli and Ravelli was evident throughout the competition.
Italy’s performance at the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympics has been strong thus far, and Bertagnolli’s gold medal serves as a significant boost to the team’s momentum. The nation is hoping to build on this success as the Games continue, with several Italian athletes poised to contend for medals in their respective disciplines.
The Paralympics are a celebration of athletic achievement and human spirit, and Bertagnolli’s victory embodies these values. His story is an inspiration to athletes and fans alike, demonstrating that with determination, perseverance, and a strong partnership, anything is possible.
Bertagnolli and Ravelli will now turn their attention to the upcoming giant slalom and slalom events, where they will undoubtedly be among the favorites. The Italian duo’s consistent performance throughout the Paralympic Games has established them as a force to be reckoned with, and fans will be eagerly anticipating their next competition.
The Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games are providing a platform for para-athletes to showcase their talents and inspire audiences worldwide. Bertagnolli’s gold medal is a shining example of the incredible achievements being celebrated at these Games, and it is a moment that will be remembered for years to approach.
Next up for Bertagnolli and Ravelli are the giant slalom and slalom competitions, scheduled to take place later this week at the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Keep up with the latest updates and results on the official Milan Cortina 2026 website and through official Paralympic channels.
