Josh Pauls, a four-time Paralympic champion in sled hockey, and Laurie Stephens, a seven-time Paralympic medalist in para Alpine skiing, were selected to represent Team USA as the flagbearers for the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Milan Cortina Paralympic Winter Games.

Pauls and Stephens both were selected by their fellow Team USA athletes via a process led by the Team USA Athletes' Commission, which serves as the representative group and voice for Team USA athletes.

 

“It's a privilege to announce Josh Pauls and Laurie Stephens as Team USA’s Opening Ceremony flagbearers for the Milan Cortina Paralympic Games,” said USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland. “They have earned the respect of their fellow Team USA athletes through their commitment to excellence, dedication and character, and we’re proud to have them represent our Paralympic team to open the Games.” 

Pauls, age 33, has led the U.S. team on the ice since 2010 and is the most decorated sled hockey player in history with four titles. This is his fifth Paralympic Games, having made his Paralympic debut at Vancouver 2010. The seven-time world champion will look to lead the U.S. to its fifth straight Paralympic title, having captained the U.S. to gold at the past two Winter Games.

"To be selected as a flagbearer is such a great honor," Pauls said. “It is an honor that's really special just because it's done by your peers. To do this in the country my grandfather was born in and to be able to carry the U.S. flag in the country he was able to come to and make a life for himself, is what America’s all about. To represent more than just my teammates and country is something that's really special." 

Stephens is one of the most decorated winter Paralympians in history, as she prepares for her sixth Winter Games. Having made her first Paralympic appearance at Torino 2006, Stephens has the honor of representing the U.S. 20 years following her Paralympic debut. Stephens won gold both in the downhill and super-G, along with silver in the giant slalom during her 2006 debut, including four more Paralympic podium appearances.

"I began my Paralympic journey 20 years ago in Torino and then to carry the flag at my final Paralympics in Cortina is a full-circle honor," said Stephens. "It’s one I'm proud to carry forward as I step into coaching the next generation."

The Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Milan Cortina Paralympics will begin with a preview show at 1:30 p.m. ET on USA Network and streaming on Peacock and NBC Olympics platforms on Friday, March 6, followed by the Opening Ceremony airing live at 2 p.m. ET. A replay presentation will air on NBC in primetime on Saturday, March 7 at 8:00 p.m. ET. 

The 2026 Milan Cortina Paralympics Opening Ceremony will be the first ever Paralympic Ceremony to be hosted in a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Verona Olympic Arena).