Getty Images photographers have revealed the artistry behind capturing remarkable moments at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, from March 6 to 15. With nearly 611 athletes competing across six sports in a total of 79 medal events, these professionals documented the highs and lows of thrilling competitions that showcased extraordinary athleticism.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/2026-Winter-Paralympics-tout-031726-1efeccd9b0c14336afd5725f5fa24ed0.jpg)
Photographers meticulously stationed themselves at various venues, including picturesque slopes, state-of-the-art rinks, and the stunning backdrop of Northern Italy’s mountains. Their objective was to encapsulate the enthusiasm of the Games, and some of their most striking images have been shared with PEOPLE.
One standout photograph features Oksana Masters of the United States, who celebrated her second gold medal win at the 2026 event in the women’s para cross-country skiing sprint final. Photographer Buda Mendes highlighted her joy as a poignant reflection of the resilience displayed by Paralympic athletes. “Her celebration is simply a reflection of overcoming challenges in Paralympic sport,” Mendes commented, emphasising the significance of the moment in Masters’ illustrious sporting career.
Dynamic scenes unfolded in other competitions as well, such as the men’s 10km Para cross-country skiing event, where Robelson Lula of Brazil and Nicolas Lima of Argentina raced against each other. Photographer David Ramos used modified equipment to capture the scene in near-infrared, transforming the surrounding foliage into striking shades of red. This artistic approach created an ethereal atmosphere, enhancing the visual impact of the racers within the majestic backdrop of Val di Fiemme’s forest.
The strategy employed by photographer Mattia Ozbot resulted in a compelling image of a wheelchair curling mixed doubles match between Great Britain and the United States. By focusing on reflections and utilising a slow shutter speed, Ozbot portrayed the athletes’ intense concentration, encapsulating the essence of competition amid the dynamic movements of the game.
Celebrated moments of triumph were also documented, such as Felix Schrader of Germany’s celebration after scoring during a para ice hockey match against Slovakia. Mendes, who captured this moment, noted how the contrasting colours of the players’ uniforms against the pristine ice amplified the jubilance of the scene.
In less fortunate scenarios, the reality of sport was encapsulated by Maja Hitij when she photographed Audrey Pascual Seco of Spain, who crashed during the Giant Slalom. Although this incident curtailed Pascual’s chances for further glory, Hitij’s ability to capture the decisive moment was a testament to the unpredictability of competitive sport.
The emotional reactions of athletes after exhausting races were also a focal point for the photographers. For instance, James Fearn captured the raw emotion of Austria’s Stefan Egger-Riedmueller upon finishing the men’s 10km race. The image conveys not only the physical fatigue experienced by elite athletes but also the mental fortitude required to persevere.
Certain images highlighted the atmosphere outside of competitions too, such as those depicting the fervent support from fans in the stands. Ramos recalled his experience photographing the enthusiastic crowd during the women’s 10km Para cross-country skiing event, focusing on the shared joy and exhilaration that defined the event.
The athletes themselves showcased incredible endurance and technical skill, as exhibited by Chiara Mazzei of Italy during the women’s alpine skiing Super-G vision impaired event, where she jumped in her triumphant run to capture gold. Mattia Ozbot noted the importance of positioning and timing for capturing such an incredible feat.
The Paralympic Winter Games have not only been a platform for showcasing world-class athletics but also a canvas for photographers to express their creativity and document the spirit of triumph and adversity. As the Games continue to inspire, the vivid and compelling images produced by Getty photographers serve to immortalise these incredible sporting moments for generations to come.