Hunter Academy of Sport (HAS) is proud to celebrate the achievements of Lauren Parker, who represented Australia at the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Milano-Cortina.
Parker delivered a strong performance across both Para Biathlon and Para Cross Country Skiing, securing a top 10 finish in the Para Biathlon, placing 10th. She also made history as the first Australian Paralympian to serve as flag bearer at both the Summer and Winter Paralympics, a remarkable milestone that highlights her impact across multiple disciplines.
HAS also celebrates the broader success of athletes across the Regional Academies of Sport network who competed at the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Central Coast Academy of Sport athletes delivered impressive results at the Winter Olympics, led by Matthew Graham, who claimed a bronze medal in the Dual Moguls. Fellow CCAS athlete Abbey Willcox reached the finals in the Women’s Aerials, finishing 10th, and was part of Australia’s Mixed Team Aerials team, which secured a strong fourth-place finish.
Southern Sports Academy athletes also made their mark at the Winter Paralympics. Liana France made history as Australia’s youngest female Winter Paralympian at just 16 years of age, finishing 14th in the Giant Slalom and 15th in the Slalom. Former SSA athlete Josh Hanlon (pictured) competed in para-alpine sit skiing across multiple events, placing 9th in Slalom, 10th in Giant Slalom and 16th in Alpine Combined.
These achievements highlight the strength of regional pathways and the important role academies play in supporting athletes to reach the world stage. HAS congratulates Lauren and all athletes who represented Australia at the 2026 Winter Games.
