Kathrin Marchand: From the Rhine to the Ski Trail – A Paralympic History in the Making

Kathrin Marchand is on the verge of making history. The Cologne native is poised to become the first athlete to compete in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games across three different disciplines: rowing, Paralympic rowing, and now cross-country skiing. Her journey, marked by a near-fatal stroke and unwavering determination, is a testament to the power of the human spirit. The 35-year-old is preparing to compete at the Paralympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina, Italy, beginning March 6th, 2026.

Marchand’s athletic career began on the water. She represented Germany in rowing at the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio Olympics, achieving a seventh-place finish in the women’s eight and an eighth-place finish in the women’s pair, respectively. However, her sporting path took an unexpected turn in September 2021.

A Life-Altering Moment

While spinning at home, Marchand suffered a stroke. “My left side suddenly went numb, and my vision was impaired,” she recounted, recognizing the severity of the situation immediately as a physician herself. The stroke left her with coordination issues on her left side and reduced her field of vision in both eyes by approximately one-third. Doctors initially gave her a grim prognosis, estimating her chances of survival at less than five percent.

Remarkably, Marchand not only survived but resolved to continue her athletic pursuits. “I actually should have died,” she stated. “What I get to experience now, I consider a second chance.” This perspective fuels her relentless drive and shapes her approach to competition.

From Rowing to the Ski Trail

Following her recovery, Marchand returned to rowing, earning gold medals at the 2025 European and World Championships in the double sculls. But a conversation at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, where she competed in rowing, sparked a new challenge. The endurance coordinator for the German Paralympic Committee suggested she endeavor cross-country skiing.

Initially hesitant, Marchand agreed to a trial on ski rollers at a parking lot near the Müngersdorfer Stadium in Cologne. The challenge intrigued her, and she embraced the opportunity to learn a new sport. “I will be the first athlete to start at three different versions of the Olympic Games,” she proudly declared.

The transition wasn’t easy. Her first attempts on skis were, in her words, humbling, often ending with her falling. The narrow, slippery skis without edges proved tricky to control. However, Marchand’s dedication and rigorous training regimen – including two weeks per month at a Nordic skiing training center in Freiburg – quickly yielded results.

A Rapid Rise in Para Nordic Skiing

Despite having only 14 months of experience on skis, Marchand has rapidly ascended the ranks of para Nordic skiing. She finished sixth in the 10km classic race at the 2025 World Championships in Toblach, Italy. More recently, at a World Cup event in Finsterau, Germany, she secured two fourth-place finishes.

“So far, I haven’t won a medal at the Olympics or Paralympics,” Marchand admitted. “If I could win one as a cross-country skier, it would be a dream arrive true.” She will compete in the 1.3-kilometer sprint and the 10-kilometer classic race at the Paralympic Winter Games in Tesero.

To fully commit to her new sport, Marchand made a significant life change, reducing her hours at the Cologne Orthoparc Clinic from a half-time position to an hourly contract. She funds her training through a disability pension, support from the German Sports Aid Foundation (1050 Euros), honorariums, and sponsorships.

A Focus on Performance, Not Pity

Marchand has expressed frustration with the tendency of others to frame her athletic achievements as inspirational solely *because* of her stroke. She wants her performance to take center stage, not her disability. “I want my performance to be what people focus on,” she explained. “I am not a victim of my stroke. I am simply an athlete.”

This desire to be recognized for her athletic ability, rather than her resilience in the face of adversity, underscores her unwavering determination and competitive spirit. She draws inspiration from athletes like Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, admiring his efficient and graceful running style. She studies his technique, visualizing herself navigating the challenging courses of Tesero.

Looking Ahead

Marchand’s ambitions extend beyond the 2026 Winter Paralympics. She has her sights set on the 2028 Summer Paralympics in Los Angeles, indicating a continued commitment to rowing alongside her burgeoning cross-country skiing career. Her story is a powerful reminder that setbacks can be overcome, and that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.

The Paralympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina begin on March 6th, 2026. Fans can follow Kathrin Marchand’s journey and the latest updates on the official Paralympic website: https://www.teamdeutschland-paralympics.de/news/details/kathrin-marchand-vom-rhein-in-die-loipe

Will Marchand add a Paralympic medal in cross-country skiing to her impressive resume? Share your thoughts in the comments below.