Snowboarder makes history as Australia’s first Indigenous winter Paralympian

Amanda Reid is set to make history as Australia’s first Indigenous Winter Paralympian in Italy in two weeks time.

Reid, a proud Wemba Wemba and Guring-gai woman, has built a career on breaking barriers. A Paralympic champion in Para cycling, she transitioned to winter competition in 2023 and immediately made her mark, claiming gold at the World Para Snowboard Championships in La Molina, Spain.

Now, she will take her place on the slopes of Cortina, competing in women’s banked slalom and snowboard cross at the Games, which starts on March 6.

“Amanda’s journey is extraordinary,” Australian Paralympic Team Chef de Mission Ben Troy said.

“She has already reached the pinnacle of Paralympic sport yet continues to challenge herself in new arenas. Stepping onto the snow at Milano Cortina is not just another competition for her, it’s a moment of national significance.”

Reid is among a four-strong Australian Para snowboard team that blends experience, leadership and emerging talent.

In the Para snowboard squad, Ben Tudhope returns for his fourth Paralympic Games, having debuted at Sochi 2014 as Australia’s youngest Winter Paralympian at just 14.

Over nearly a decade on the world stage – he recently became the first Australian winter sport athlete to win 50 World Cup event medals – Tudhope has forged a reputation for resilience and composure, bringing hard-earned experience and quiet confidence to the squad.

Australian Paralympic Team captain for Milano Cortina 2026 Sean Pollard provides steady leadership and perspective, shaping the culture of the team with calm authority and focus.

Aaron McCarthy rounds out the team as one of the sport’s rising talents, his fearless approach and raw talent signalling the next wave of Australian Para snowboarding.

The Para snowboard team is:

• Amanda Reid: women’s banked slalom, snowboard cross
• Ben Tudhope: men’s banked slalom, snowboard cross
• Sean Pollard: men’s banked slalom, snowboard cross
• Aaron McCarthy: men’s banked slalom, snowboard cross

For Reid and her teammates, Milano Cortina is more than a competition, it is a powerful statement that Australian Para sport is accelerating, breaking barriers and proudly reflecting the depth and diversity of modern Australia.