Fronted by experienced broadcaster Jenny-May Clarkson, TVNZ’s coverage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games was widely praised. We reflect with Jenny-May on nine days of spectacular action, delving into her memories of a truly memorable event.
Describing her role broadcasting the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games as “a privilege,” she believes the Games will leave a long-lasting legacy and help bring about greater acceptance and understanding of people with disabilities in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Fronting the nightly one-hour coverage of the Games, supported by studio guests Snow Sports NZ Competitive Pathways Manager Scott Palmer, Paralympian #45 Viv Gapes –New Zealand’s first-ever Paralympic Winter Games medallist – and three-time Paralympic gold medallist Paralympian #115 Steven Bayley, the show helped elevate a greater understanding of winter Para sport.
“I loved it,” recalls Jenny-May. “It was great to be back talking about sport, exploring ideas, and having those conversations with the guests, while learning more about the intricacies of the different Para sports.”
For Jenny-May, each of the studio guests brought a fresh perspective that helped inform and educate audiences.
“Scott came from a coaching background at Beijing 2022, and I loved that behind-the-scenes insight from having been part of the Team four years ago,” she explains. “That process – what happens during the day of competition – intrigued me and added great value. Viv was just delightful, and I was really pleased to be in a position to celebrate her and what she achieved. I think she enjoyed the conversation and being able to reminisce with the nation.
“Steven also offered that Paralympian perspective of how he approached an event. I learned a lot from all three, and I hope our audience did too.”
At Milano Cortina 2026, Paralympians #158 Adam Hall MNZM and #188 Corey Peters MNZM both produced a series of world-class performances on the slopes of the Olimpia delle Tofane. Hall provided the standout highlight, claiming a silver medal in the Men’s Slalom Standing to secure his sixth Paralympic medal. Meanwhile, Peters, although missing out on his ultimate goal of a podium finish, still delivered top-quality performances, recording three top six placings across his events.
Interestingly, it was the forthright honesty of Peters that provided a standout Milano Cortina 2026 memory for Jenny-May.
“I found it intriguing that Corey, since becoming a parent, admitted fear had started to creep in when competing at such high speed,” she explains. “Many athletes, or Para athletes, don’t talk like that. He was very open about it, and that was really brave.”
Jenny-May says she received many positive comments from the public about TVNZ’s coverage of Milano Cortina 2026, particularly regarding the knowledge and stories shared by the studio guests. While delighted by the feedback, she hopes the visibility of the Games on TVNZ can help drive greater awareness and social change.
“We hope there is a trickle-down effect in how people with disabilities are perceived –that they are very capable. At the same time, we need to be mindful about the spaces we create for people with disabilities in our communities. There is a role TVNZ can play in using sport as a vehicle to help build a more inclusive society.”
Recalling when she received the call asking if she would like to front the TVNZ coverage of Milano Cortina 2026, she says she holds many happy memories from the nine days of competition.
“As a former Silver Fern, it was a privilege to come full circle and be back presenting sport,” she explains. “I love delving into people’s experiences and understanding how athletes work. Being able to tease out those stories from the guests — I loved every minute.”
