Neil Simpson Wins Silver for Team GB at Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics

Team GB secured their first medal of the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Milano Cortina as Neil Simpson and guide Rob Poth won silver in the men’s Para Alpine Combined visually impaired event.

Simpson and Poth arrived at the Alpine Combined in strong form after finishing fourth in both the Super G and Downhill earlier in the competition in Italy. The Para Alpine Combined consists of one Super G run followed by one slalom run, combining speed and technical skiing.

Simpson, who has a visual impairment, competes with guide Rob Poth skiing ahead of him and communicating the course and timing throughout the run.

The British pair produced another solid performance in the Super G leg, finishing fourth once again and keeping themselves firmly in contention for a podium place heading into the afternoon slalom.

In the slalom run Simpson delivered an excellent performance guided by Poth’s pace and direction. A smooth and confident run saw the British duo climb the leaderboard and challenge for the medals.

When the final times were confirmed Simpson and Poth had moved up two places to claim the silver medal. They finished just 0.65 seconds behind the gold medal time in a highly competitive field.

Speaking to Channel 4 after the race Simpson said, “I’m really chuffed with the performance, some good skiing on the second run and we carried out the plan we had.”

“The visually impaired men’s category is really strong. There are lots of really quick guys in there, so I’m pleased to get on the podium.”

The medal also marked Rob Poth’s first Paralympic medal at his debut Paralympic Games.

Poth said, “I’m buzzing. For me it was a little bit of a relief, but our slalom is in a great place.”

Simpson and Poth will now look to continue their strong form in the remaining technical events at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics.

Simpson said, “With the giant slalom we feel pretty ready for that and for the slalom we’re feeling really good and hopefully we can do well.”

Poth added, “Run by run we are building up confidence. That has definitely taken it up a notch and we’re getting closer to that top step. We’re on a high and hopefully we can continue on that trajectory.”

Simpson and Poth return to competition on 13 March in the men’s Giant Slalom followed by the Slalom on 14 March.

Stay up to date with the latest Team GB results from the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milano Cortina by following the Ski Club website and social media channels.