Paralympian Dani Aravich eyes 2026 glory in Winter Paralympics

Dani Aravich, a 29-year-old para nordic skier, never saw a spot for herself in elite sports. Born without a left hand and forearm, she raced cross country in high school and college, according to CBS News. A friend's tip reportedly led her to the Paralympics at age 24.

She quit her job with the Utah Jazz basketball team in 2020 to train. CBS News confirmed that Aravich placed 10th in the 400-meter sprint at the Tokyo Paralympics. Now she skis for Team USA and is ready to compete in the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics.

Six core Winter Paralympics sports

The 2026 Winter Paralympics span nine days with 79 medal events, according to NBC Olympics. Six sports headline the games: para alpine skiing, para biathlon, para cross-country skiing, para snowboarding, sled hockey and wheelchair curling.

Para alpine skiing offers 30 medals across 10 events like downhill and slalom, NBC confirmed. Categories include standing, sitting and vision impaired. Para biathlon has six events for 18 medals; para cross-country skiing adds 20 medals, including relays.

Additionally, NBC explains that Para snowboarding awards eight medals in banked slalom and snowboard cross. Sled hockey runs one tournament; wheelchair curling features mixed doubles and team events. All demand leg impairments but skip classes for balance.

Aravich’s goal to inspire young athletes

Aravich, nicknamed the "Biathlon bandit," competed in Beijing 2022 after a ski camp invite, CBS News noted. "I didn't know enough about the Paralympics to know there was a place for someone like me in it," she said, according to CBS.

Her journey shifted her world. "Growing up, I didn't know anyone else really with a physical disability for most of my childhood and it's been the most eye-opening experience in my life getting to compete in this," Aravich said, CBS added.

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Now she pushes para sports via social media and Culxtured. "However I do on the field of play, that is what it is. But if more people tune into the Paralympics than ever, then we're doing something right," she said. "That's the win."

Aravich tells kids: "There's a place for them." Her story spotlights how 2026 Winter Paralympics open doors for all.