MILAN-CORTINA, Italy – French snowboarder Maxime Montaggioni experienced a bittersweet end to his Paralympic career at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games on Friday, finishing sixth in the banked slalom event. The result came as a disappointment for the reigning champion from Beijing 2022, but his emotions extended far beyond the slopes, as he publicly mourned the death of a French soldier in the Middle East.
Montaggioni, a member of the “Armée des champions” – a program established in 2014 by the French Ministry of the Armed Forces to support elite athletes – struggled to find his form in his final competitive run. While acknowledging the emergence of a new generation of talent in his category, his thoughts were clearly elsewhere.
“It’s time to make way for the next generation, there’s a strong push from the younger athletes in my category,” Montaggioni said, as reported by Le Parisien. However, the 36-year-old Marseillais’s reflections quickly turned to the news he received earlier that day.
“This morning, we learned of the death of the first French soldier in the conflict with Iran,” Montaggioni shared with reporters in the mixed zone. “I really want to think of them. I am part of the ‘Armée des champions,’ and they have always supported me. News like this isn’t easy to take.”
The athlete’s poignant statement underscores the close relationship between the French military and its sporting heroes. The “Armée des champions” program provides support to athletes who also serve in the armed forces, or who have a connection to the military. This support allows athletes like Montaggioni to focus on their training and competition while maintaining their commitment to national service.
Despite a strong first run that placed him fourth, Montaggioni lost valuable time in his second attempt, finishing 22 hundredths of a second slower. He accepted the result with grace, acknowledging the competitive nature of the sport. “I rode well, it comes down to tenths of a second. I had a small problem where I lost some speed, unfortunately it didn’t work out for me,” he explained.
Montaggioni’s career has been marked by dedication and achievement, culminating in a Paralympic gold medal at the 2022 Beijing Games. His final competition, while not ending with the desired medal, was nonetheless a testament to his resilience and sportsmanship. The banked slalom event, characterized by its challenging course featuring turns, bumps, and jumps, demands both technical skill and mental fortitude – qualities Montaggioni has consistently demonstrated throughout his career.
The loss of the French soldier in the Middle East cast a somber shadow over the Paralympics for Montaggioni, highlighting the sacrifices made by service members and the impact of global conflicts on individuals and communities. His public expression of grief and solidarity resonated with many, demonstrating the athlete’s character and commitment to honoring those who serve.
As the Milan-Cortina Paralympics continue, athletes from around the world are striving for glory, but Montaggioni’s story serves as a reminder that sport often exists within a larger context of human experience, encompassing both triumph and tragedy. The Games, intended to celebrate athletic achievement and promote inclusivity, also provide a platform for athletes to express their values and connect with the world on a deeper level.
Montaggioni’s retirement marks the end of an era for French Paralympic snowboarding, but his legacy of dedication, sportsmanship, and compassion will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes. The focus now shifts to the emerging talents in the category, who will carry the torch forward as they compete for Paralympic honors in the years to come.
The next event for the French Paralympic team is the men’s snowboard cross competition, scheduled for March 16th at the San Sicario venue. Fans can follow live updates and results on the official Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games website.
