Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – The French Paralympic team continues to impress at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games, building momentum with a gold medal in para Nordic skiing on Wednesday courtesy of Karl Tabouret. Today, all eyes turn to alpine skier Aurélie Richard, who has the opportunity to add to France’s medal haul in the women’s giant slalom standing event. Richard, already a standout performer at these Games, is looking to complete her ambitious goal of securing four medals, including a coveted gold.
Richard has already claimed three silver medals – in the downhill, super-G, and super-combined – establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with in the alpine skiing competition. The 20-year-old from Gap, France, is the youngest member of the French team and is quickly making a name for herself on the international stage. Her success so far has been particularly notable given What we have is her first Paralympic appearance, a dream realized after recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) that sidelined her before the 2022 Beijing Games.
Richard Faces a Tough Challenge in Giant Slalom
While Richard has demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency throughout the Games, the giant slalom presents a unique challenge. She is considered an underdog in this event, with Sweden’s Ebba Aarsjoe widely favored to take the gold. Aarsjoe has consistently performed well in giant slalom competitions, and Richard acknowledges the difficulty of competing against such a strong opponent. However, the young French skier is approaching the race with determination and a positive mindset.
“I’m not as comfortable in slalom,” Richard admitted, “but I’m going to give it my all.” She’s focusing on maintaining her composure and executing a clean run, knowing that a podium finish would be a remarkable achievement. The first run of the giant slalom is scheduled for 9:25 AM local time (8:25 AM UTC), with the second run set for 12:45 PM (11:45 AM UTC). Fans can follow the action live through official Paralympic broadcasts and updates.
Beyond Alpine Skiing: Para Hockey Action Today
The Paralympic schedule today extends beyond alpine skiing. In para hockey, Slovakia will face Germany in a placement match at 2:35 PM local time (1:35 PM UTC). Later, Italy will compete against Japan at 7:05 PM local time (6:05 PM UTC). Para hockey continues to be a popular event, showcasing the incredible skill and athleticism of athletes with physical impairments.
France’s Medal Count and Overall Standing
As of today, March 12th, France sits sixth in the medal table with a total of nine medals, including three gold, three silver, and three bronze. China currently leads the medal count with an impressive 26 medals, demonstrating their dominance in the Winter Paralympic Games. France’s performance so far has been a source of national pride, and Richard’s pursuit of a fourth medal adds to the excitement surrounding the team.
The success of athletes like Karl Tabouret and Aurélie Richard highlights the growing strength of the French Paralympic program. Tabouret’s gold medal in para Nordic skiing on Wednesday served as a significant boost for the team, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest level. His victory, combined with Richard’s consistent podium finishes, underscores the dedication and talent within the French Paralympic squad.
Richard Inspired by Bochet’s Legacy
Aurélie Richard has too benefitted from the guidance and mentorship of Marie Bochet, a nine-time Paralympic medalist and the chef de mission for the French team at Milan-Cortina. Bochet, a veteran of the Paralympic movement, recognizes Richard’s potential and has been impressed by her rapid growth and maturity. “Aurélie is the young one,” Bochet noted, “but she’s been on the circuit for a few years now. She has a curiosity that allows her to grow very quickly and gain maturity.”
Richard’s journey to the Paralympics has been marked by resilience and determination. Overcoming the setback of a serious knee injury required significant rehabilitation and unwavering commitment. Now, she’s not only competing but thriving, inspiring fans with her positive attitude and exceptional athletic ability. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the spirit of the Paralympic Games.
The atmosphere surrounding the Games is also a source of motivation for Richard. She expressed her excitement about the scale of the event and the incredible support from volunteers and organizers. “What impresses me most are the volunteers and the structures around [the event],” she said. “Everything is enormous at the Games, we’re not used to that on the World Cups, but I love it!”
As Aurélie Richard prepares to compete in the giant slalom, all of France will be cheering her on, hoping to witness another medal-winning performance. Her journey so far has been nothing short of remarkable, and she has the potential to become a true Paralympic star. The next few hours will be crucial as she aims to achieve her goal of four medals and add a gold to her growing collection.
What’s Next: The women’s giant slalom standing final will take place today, March 12th, with the first run at 9:25 AM local time (8:25 AM UTC) and the second run at 12:45 PM (11:45 AM UTC). Stay tuned to Archysport for live updates and results.
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