Aurélie Richard Wins Paralympic Silver, Demonstrates Resilience After Multiple Injuries
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – French skier Aurélie Richard secured a silver medal in the women’s standing downhill at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Paralympic Winter Games on Saturday, March 7th. The 20-year-aged’s performance marks France’s first medal of the Games and is a testament to her remarkable perseverance through a series of significant injuries. The victory, achieved with a time of 1’23’’71, came behind Sweden’s Ebba Aarsjoe (1’22’’) and ahead of Russia’s Varvara Voronchikhina.
Overcoming Adversity on the Slopes
Richard, born with agenesis of the left forearm, began skiing at the age of two and a half and joined the Ski Club du Queyras at five. Her ascent in the world of para-alpine skiing has been rapid, but not without setbacks. In 2021, she suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee, derailing her hopes for the 2022 Beijing Paralympics. Despite the devastating injury, Richard rebounded quickly, achieving a victory in the World Cup and earning two silver medals at the 2023 World Championships in downhill and slalom.
Though, her challenges weren’t over. In 2024, Richard sustained another ACL injury, this time to her left knee. Remarkably, she continued to compete, finishing third in the overall World Cup standings in 2025. This resilience was on full display in Cortina, where she navigated a challenging downhill course to claim her first Paralympic medal.
A Dream Realized in Italy
“I think I don’t realize it yet,” Richard told France Télévisions after her run. “We’ll observe later, but for now, very happy. All the emotions came at once. It was joy, sadness, and fear because my descent wasn’t really perfect and I had a few little scares.”
The silver medal is particularly meaningful given the obstacles Richard has faced. The athlete, currently a first-year student in STAPS (Science and Techniques of Physical Activities and Sports) at the University of Grenoble, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her sport. Her journey highlights the physical and mental fortitude required to compete at the highest level of para-alpine skiing.
Recent Successes and Future Outlook
Prior to the Paralympic Games, Richard similarly excelled at the 2025 Winter World University Games, securing two gold medals in giant slalom and super-G. This success further solidified her position as a leading force in para-alpine skiing. Her ability to consistently perform at a high level, even whereas battling injuries, is a testament to her dedication and talent.
The 2026 Paralympic Winter Games are being held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The Games, which began with the opening ceremony on March 7th, will continue through March 16th, showcasing athletes from around the world competing in a variety of winter sports. The event provides a platform for para-athletes to demonstrate their skills and inspire audiences globally.
For Richard, the silver medal in downhill is just the beginning. She is expected to compete in additional events at the Milan-Cortina Games, and her performance will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and fellow athletes alike. Her story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, dreams can be realized.
What’s Next for Aurélie Richard?
Aurélie Richard will continue her Paralympic campaign in Cortina d’Ampezzo, with upcoming races scheduled in slalom and giant slalom. Fans can follow her progress and the rest of the Paralympic Winter Games on the official Paralympic website and through France Télévisions coverage. The next confirmed event for Richard is the women’s standing slalom, scheduled for March 10th.
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