MILAN CORTINA, Italy – Federico Pelizzari of Italy delivered a remarkable performance to win silver in the men’s standing alpine combined at the 2026 Winter Paralympics on Monday, March 10th. The 26-year-old skier finished just 1 minute and 20 seconds behind France’s Arthur Bauchet at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre, adding to Italy’s growing medal count at the Games.
Pelizzari’s achievement is particularly impressive considering he was competing with a thumb injury sustained during a downhill race on Saturday. He underwent treatment and remarkably returned to the slopes for Sunday’s Super-G, finishing seventh, before securing his silver medal today. The podium was completed by Austria’s Thomas Grochar, who took bronze.
“I’m so happy, I’ve been waiting for this medal for a extremely long time, it finally arrived,” Pelizzari said, as reported by Italian media. “I even lost a pole at the top, I made a few mistakes, but it couldn’t have gone any better. It’s a truly wonderful feeling.”
The silver medal adds to a successful few days for the Italian Paralympic team. Giacomo Bertagnolli won gold in the visually impaired combined event, and Chiara Mazzel secured a silver medal, contributing to a total of eight medals for Italy so far in the Games – three gold, five silver, and one bronze. This surpasses Italy’s seven-medal haul from the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics, and the team is aiming to break the record of thirteen medals set at Lillehammer in 1994.
The men’s super combined competition at the 2026 Winter Paralympics saw 26 competitors from 13 nations vying for medals in the standing category. The event combines the speed of super-G with the technical precision of slalom, testing the all-around skills of the athletes.
Pelizzari’s performance underscores the resilience and determination of Paralympic athletes. Competing at the highest level while managing an injury requires not only physical strength but also immense mental fortitude. His ability to overcome adversity has resonated with fans and fellow competitors alike.
The Italian skier will next compete in the giant slalom on March 13th and the slalom on March 15th, offering further opportunities to add to his medal tally. The Paralympic Games continue to showcase incredible athletic achievements and inspiring stories of perseverance.
Mauro Piazza, the Undersecretary of the Presidency of the Lombardy Region, praised Pelizzari’s accomplishment, stating that his silver medal is “the result of talent, dedication, and consistency.” Piazza added that Pelizzari “represents an example for all young people from Lecco and demonstrates how Paralympic sport can inspire and unite the community.”
The success of Pelizzari and the Italian team is a source of national pride, demonstrating the growing strength and visibility of Paralympic sport in Italy. The Games are providing a platform to celebrate the achievements of athletes with disabilities and promote inclusivity.
Italy’s strong showing at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics is a testament to the country’s investment in Paralympic sport and the dedication of its athletes. The team’s performance is inspiring a new generation of athletes and raising awareness of the importance of accessibility and inclusion.
Pelizzari’s next opportunity to compete will be in the giant slalom on March 13th, followed by the slalom on March 15th. Fans can follow the action and find official updates on the official Paralympic website: https://www.paralympic.org/
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