Ski duo named GB's Winter Paralympics flagbearers

Skiing duo Menna Fitzpatrick and Scott Meenagh will be Great Britain's flagbearers at the opening ceremony of the Winter Paralympics on Friday.

Both will not be at the ceremony at the Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheatre in the historic centre of the city, as they are competing the following day.

But they will take part via a video sequence, along with fellow ParalympicsGB teammates, to be shown as part of the parade.

Welsh Para-alpine skier Fitzpatrick, who is visually-impaired, is Britain's most decorated Winter Paralympian with six medals.

The 27-year-old will take part in the Paralympics almost three months after sustaining a significant knee injury and just over a year after breaking her leg.

"I'm super excited, I still can't believe I've made it to Cortina and so this is an extra cherry on top," she said.

Scottish Para-Nordic skier Meenagh is set to compete in his third Paralympics after appearances at the 2018 and 2022 Games.

The 36-year-old lost both legs in 2011 while serving with the Parachute Regiment in Afghanistan.

He became the first Briton to win a medal at the World Para Nordic Skiing Championships when he claimed silver in the 12.5km individual biathlon in 2023.

"It's remarkable. I try really hard every day to represent my sport, myself and my country in the best way I can," he said.

"I try to do that in my behaviour and express that in my performance, so now to have that little bit of recognition – I'm a bit speechless."

The Games, which run until 15 March, will mark the 50th anniversary of the first Winter Paralympics.