Last month the flame was extinguished at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Taking time to reflect on the 50th anniversary edition, we chat to NZ Paralympic Team Chef de Mission Jane Stevens to gauge her thoughts on the experience.
From the exhilaration of the silver medal secured by Paralympian #158 Adam Hall MNZM to the emotion of NZ Paralympic Team members receiving their pounamu, the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games provided a truckload of lifelong memories for Chef de Mission Jane Stevens.
Expressing pride in overseeing a campaign that included not only a sixth Paralympic Games medal for Hall, but also three top six finishes for Paralympian #188 Corey Peters MNZM, Jane said of the NZ Paralympic Team’s performance at Milano Cortina 2026:
“From all points of view, it was a success. If you look at our nation and reflect on what it has taken Adam and Corey to reach the top level, it is phenomenal. It has required not only an incredible amount of work from them as individuals but also from the staff working tirelessly behind the scenes to help make that happen. I’m immensely proud of the whole Team.”
Underpinning the success of the campaign was strong pre-planning and high levels of communication. All support staff were clear in their roles, and this allowed for a “happy and united Team,” who could overcome any challenge, which are an inevitable part of any Games-time environment.
“The biggest talking point was the weather, which impacts snow conditions and, consequently, Paralympian performance,” explains Jane. “It was a big challenge that didn’t make life easy, but we had two seasoned veterans (in Adam and Corey) who were prepared, kept a positive attitude, and drew on their past experiences. The wider Team too were always willing to pitch in and help out to ensure any obstacles were overcome.”
Having also fulfilled the role of Chef de Mission at Beijing 2022, Jane admitted that Milano Cortina 2026 was a radically different experience. Operating at a COVID-affected Games four years ago, without friends and family present, was tough, yet Milano Cortina 2026 provided its own challenges.
“In some respects, because we were living in a bubble in Beijing and everything was so structured and regimented, it was easier than at Milano Cortina, where we had members of the Team spread out across different locations. Yet we did a lot of planning for this – we split the teams where required – and although this campaign threw up more logistical issues, they were not insurmountable. Also, having friends and family present was such a joy, and it was great for Adam and Corey to experience that.”
Jane recalls many standout memories from the Games, including the pride she felt during the emotional pounamu presentations to all NZ Paralympic Team members. This was particularly evident when retiring wax technician Hammy Morison received his pounamu and a New Zealand flag signed by the Team.
“I’ve known Hammy for more than 20 years, and although he is Scottish, knowing what this all meant to a non-Kiwi was a very special moment,” she explains.
Yet there is no denying the highlight of the campaign came on the final day of the Milano Cortina 2026 programme, when “the mailman,” Adam Hall, delivered once again to take silver in a thrilling Men’s Slalom Standing event.
“It was a sensational effort,” recalls Jane. “I’m unbelievably proud of the whole Team, but especially of Adam. Having followed Adam’s career for so long, it was so exciting. But taking a step back and watching everyone else’s joy in that moment was truly special.”
Yet, as Milano Cortina 2026 quickly fades into the rear-view mirror, her hope is that the 50th anniversary Paralympic Winter Games leaves a legacy.
“Bigger numbers continue to watch the Paralympic Winter Games, and for our Paralympians to be front and centre can only be a good thing,” explains Jane. “Hopefully, more New Zealanders will be inspired by what they saw in Milano Cortina 2026, which will help grow the Para sport and develop more Paralympians at future Games.”
