Aaron McCarthy, with the support of his wife Tahnee and sons George and Noah (absent), has been selected to represent Australia at the 2026 Milano Cortina Paralympic Winter Games. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
The Rock’s Aaron McCarthy has been named in Australia’s squad for the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina, Italy.
Just four years after a freak accident involving a header that saw him lose his left leg, Aaron has been selected in the men’s banked slalom and the snowboard cross in the SB-LL1 class (snowboarders with moderately affected movement in the knees or legs or the absence of one leg above the knee or two legs below the knee).
The 31-year-old will begin his Paralympic campaign on 7 March, when he will take to the Cortina slopes for the snowboard cross qualifying runs.
Should Aaron qualify, he will take part in the ‘big final’, where he will have the chance to ride for a medal.
Following the snowboard cross, Aaron’s second event, the banked slalom, will begin a week later on 14 March.
Aaron’s selection for the Australian Paralympic team came after he missed out on automatic selection for the Games after crashing at the Para Snowboard World Cup, a Paralympic qualifying event in Canada in January.
As a result of the crash, Aaron injured his collarbone and wasn’t guaranteed a position on the team.
Despite the crash, Aaron was awarded a ‘bipartite spot’ (a position granted to riders based on previous results) in the Games by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation.
While Aaron only learnt about his selection for the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games this week, his journey to Milano Cortina has been a long one.
Since 2024, Aaron and his wife Tahnee have worked hard to acquire sponsors to afford travel to international events as well as the equipment needed to be a full-time snowboarder.
In the past two years, Aaron has participated in tournaments across Europe and North America, including Snowboarding World Cups and other important events, to boost his world ranking to participate in the Games.
His best results came when he won his first race at the European Cup in Austria midway through last year.
With his position at the Paralympic Winter Games secure, Aaron is eager to represent Australia on sport’s biggest stage.
“Things have progressed really quickly over the last couple of years,” Aaron said.
“Ever since my accident, becoming a Paralympian has been the goal. That’s been the driving force that has gotten me here so quickly.
“All I want to do is represent Australia. I want to make it to multiple Games if I can.”
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games are scheduled to be broadcast on the 9Network, 9Now, and Stan Sport beginning on 6 March.
To follow Aaron and his journey in becoming a Paralympic snowboarder, be sure to follow his Instagram, aaronmccarthypara.
