Emanuel Perathoner of Italy won gold in the Men’s Banked Slalom SB-LL2 event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games [1].
The victory marks a significant achievement for the host nation, showcasing Italian dominance in para-snowboarding on home soil during the 2026 Games.
Perathoner secured the gold medal on Feb. 12, 2026, in Cortina d'Ampezzo [2]. He posted the fastest run of the competition with a time of 54.28 seconds [1]. This performance placed him ahead of the silver medalist, who finished in 56.29 seconds, and the bronze medalist, who clocked in at 57.33 seconds [1].
"I’m thrilled to win on home snow and to bring a gold medal to Italy," Perathoner said [2].
The event took place amidst a high-energy atmosphere in the Italian Alps. Marco Rossi, a spokesperson for the Italian Paralympic Committee, said the competition was fierce and the local crowd provided Perathoner with an extra boost.
While Italy celebrated this individual victory, the U.S. maintained a strong presence in the sport. The U.S. won four gold medals in para-snowboard events throughout the Milano Cortina 2026 Games [2].
Perathoner's win in the SB-LL2 classification highlights the technical precision required for the banked slalom, where athletes must navigate a series of curved berms at high speeds. His winning time of 54.28 seconds [1] established a clear gap between the top spot and the rest of the field.
“I’m thrilled to win on home snow and to bring a gold medal to Italy.”
Perathoner's victory underscores the competitive advantage of home-court atmosphere in the Paralympic Games, while the broader medal count indicates that the U.S. continues to lead in the overall depth of para-snowboarding talent.
