Meenagh and Fitzpatrick named as Paralympic Opening Ceremony flagbearers

Two icons of British skiing selected by ParalympicsGB to carry the flag at Opening Ceremony of Paralympic Winter Games 2026

Menna Fitzpatrick and Scott Meenagh have been named Opening Ceremony flagbearers for the Milano-Cortina Paralympic Winter Games by ParalympicsGB.

The pair, who are both set to compete at their third Paralympic Winter Games this month, were selected after a vote among teammates, confirming their standing as two of the most respected athletes to represent Britain in Paralympic winter sport disciplines.

Speaking ahead of the announcement, Menna said:

“I’m super excited, I still can’t believe I’ve made it to Cortina and so this is an extra cherry on top. My family have supported me throughout this whole journey so I’m doing it for them as well.

“For this to be my third Paralympic Games is kind of surreal really, I feel like I’m the same girl who skied as a hobby – they keep calling me a veteran but I’m not sure I feel like that yet at the age of 27. I just can’t wait to get these Games underway!”

Scott said:

“It’s remarkable. I try really hard every day to represent my sport, myself and my country in the best way I can; I try to do that in my behaviours and express that in my performance, so now to have that little bit of recongition – I’m speechless.

“I’m so ready now, I’ve been thinking about this for so long. I’ve been through a whole rollercoaster of feelings throughout this Paralympic cycle, so to be able to to out there now – I’m so excited to be on the biggest stage and to go out there and represent my sport. Having my family on the sidelines watching is the fairy dust on top, that’s just a dream come true.”

Phil Smith, ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission at Milano-Cortina 2026, added:

“I am absolutely delighted to announce Menna and Scott have been chosen as the ParalympicsGB flagbearers for the Milano-Cortina Paralympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony.

“While for performance reasons they are not able to be in Verona for the parade, because they are both racing the following morning, they will still proudly represent ParalympicsGB with the pre-filmed content shown during the ceremony.

“Their selection – which was voted for by their teammates – underlines just how much both athletes epitomise the ParalympicsGB values that we as a team are so proud of.”

Everyone at GB Snowsport would like to congratulate Menna and Scott, and wishes the whole ParalympicsGB team the best of luck as the Milano-Cortina Paralympic Winter Games get underway.