Josh Pauls and Laurie Stephens selected as Team USA's Opening Ceremony flag bearers for Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games

CORTINA, Italy – Four-time Paralympic champion Josh Pauls (sled hockey) and seven-time Paralympic medalist Laurie Stephens (alpine skiing) have been selected to represent Team USA as the flag bearers for the Opening Ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. The Opening Ceremony will be held at the Arena di Verona, beginning at 8 p.m. local time. Peacock and USA Network will present live coverage of the Opening Ceremony on Friday, March 6, beginning at 1:30 p.m. ET.  

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

Heading into his fifth Paralympic Winter Games, Pauls is the most decorated sled hockey player in history with four titles to his name leading the continued success for the U.S. team on the ice since 2010. The 33-year-old made his Games debut at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. Having captained his nation to success at the past two Paralympic Winter Games, the seven-time world champion looks to bring the U.S. to its fifth consecutive Paralympic title.  

"To be selected as a flag bearer is such a great honor," said Pauls. “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." 

Preparing for her sixth Games, Stephens is one of the most decorated winter Paralympians in history. Having made her first appearance at the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games, Stephens has the honor of representing the U.S. 20 years after her Paralympic debut. Stephens won gold in both the downhill and super G, along with silver in the Giant Slalom in her incredible 2006 debut as her list of accolades continued to grow to include 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," Stephens explained. "It’s one I'm proud to carry forward as I step into coaching the next generation."  

“It's a privilege to announce Josh Pauls and Laurie Stephens as Team USA’s Opening Ceremony flag bearers for the Milano 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.” 

NBCUniversal’s presentation of Milano Cortina 2026 will offer more ways than ever for viewers to watch their favorite events and athletes across broadcast and cable networks, Peacock, extensive accessibility offerings, social media, audio, and more. Click here for all the ways to watch. 

Follow Team USA in Milano Cortina 

Team USA fans can follow the 2026 U.S. Paralympic Team at TeamUSA.com and across Team USA’s social channels on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. The U.S. Paralympic Team microsite will offer Team USA results from the Milano Cortina Winter Paralympic Games, as well as athlete biographies, sport storylines and more.