Scott Meenagh, a 36-year-old Paralympian from Team GB, is preparing for his third and final Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina 2026, with a clear goal: winning a medal. His journey from a devastating military injury in Afghanistan to the world stage of winter sport is a story of resilience, determination, and athletic excellence.

A Life-Changing Injury in Afghanistan

Meenagh’s life changed in 2011 while serving with the Parachute Regiment in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He lost both legs after stepping on an improvised explosive device (IED), an incident that claimed the life of one of his closest friends.

“I needed a purpose,” Meenagh said. “Sport gave me an opportunity to be a better version of myself every day. When you’ve been at the bottom, you try to make the very most of every day.”

Before his injury, Meenagh was a rugby player. During rehabilitation, he first took up rowing, competing internationally at the Invictus Games in 2014, before discovering para-biathlon – a grueling combination of cross-country skiing and shooting.

From Inspiration to Reality

Meenagh first witnessed the Winter Paralympics in Russia in 2014 as part of an inspiration programme. He was captivated by the sport’s demands on aerobic capacity, technical skiing, and precision shooting.

“It was incredibly inspiring. Biathlon encompasses every facet an athlete requires – the decision-making, the endurance, the skill in harsh environments.”

Despite initial skepticism from some quarters, Meenagh pursued his dream relentlessly, likening early doubts to the reception faced by Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards. He quickly assembled a dedicated support network, combining guidance from international teams in Canada and the United States with UK funding once he joined the high-performance programme.

Paralympic Journey

Meenagh made his Winter Paralympics debut in 2018 in Pyeongchang, representing Great Britain in a sit-ski event. In Beijing 2022, he finished sixth, showing steady progression at the highest level. Along the way, he has earned World Championship silver and bronze medals, establishing himself as a leading contender in para-biathlon.

“I’ve been on the podium twice now. I’ve earned the right to go into races expecting success,” Meenagh said.

The upcoming Milan-Cortina 2026 Games, marking the 50th anniversary of the Winter Paralympics, will be the culmination of over a decade of effort, training, and resilience for Meenagh.

Mental Resilience and Ambition

Beyond physical preparation, Meenagh credits sport for providing mental focus and purpose. He reflects on trauma, loss, and recovery:

“I’ve gone through some really difficult times in my life. The perspective that gives you, that appetite for life, is really strong. When you’ve probably been at the bottom, you try to make the very most of every day.”

His combination of competitive drive, technical skill, and psychological resilience positions him as one of Team GB’s most compelling medal hopefuls for 2026.

Looking Ahead to Milan-Cortina 2026

Scott Meenagh’s final Paralympic journey is defined by determination to succeed, not just participate. With a targeted medal goal, he is unapologetically ambitious as he prepares for Milan-Cortina 2026 from 6-15 March 2026. His story exemplifies how sport can transform lives, turning personal tragedy into global inspiration.