Paralympian #188 Corey Peters MNZM opens the NZ Paralympic Team account at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Cortina D’Ampezzo later today (Saturday 7 March) seeking to defend his Men’s Downhill Sitting title on the slopes of the Olimpia delle Tofane.
The four-time Paralympic medallist, who is all set for his fourth competitive Paralympic Winter Games appearance, memorably claimed Men’s Downhill Sitting gold after executing a near perfect run at Beijing 2022.
Peters, originally from New Plymouth but who now lives in Wānaka, blitzed to victory four years ago by more than a second and will be seeking to complete back-to-back victories at Milano Cortina 2026.
Following his gold medal success at Beijing 2022 later that year he became a father with the birth of daughter, Valentina, and he took a year out of the Para sport to focus on family life. Shortly after his return he suffered the blow of a dislocated shoulder which sidelined Peters for the best part of a year.
However, during the 2025-26 he has once again proven his world-class ability by claiming three World Cup podiums – to suggest he will be a major factor at Milano Cortina 2026. Peters also performed encouragingly in his two downhill training runs at Milano Cortina 2026, recording the second and ?? fastest times.
Milano Cortina 2026 NZ Paralympic Team Chef de Mission Jane Stevens said: “Corey is extremely excited to compete on this iconic course and showcase the hard work and preparation that has gone into the last four years. Excellent results through the season have cemented Corey’s confidence to execute his game plan on this technical course.”
Corey competes in the Men’s Downhill Sitting event following the completion of the Men’s Downhill Vision Impaired (VI) and Men’s Downhill Standing events on Saturday 7 March (VI is scheduled from 10.50pm).
Peters also competes in the Men’s Super-G Sitting on Monday 9 March and the Men’s Giant Slalom Sitting on Friday/Saturday 13-14 March.
***TVNZ Duke will broadcast all the action from Day One of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games from 9.30pm on Saturday 7 March. TVNZ Duke and TVNZ+ offers comprehensive coverage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. For more Games-related info go here.
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