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Paralympics Australia’s preparations for the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in northern Italy are underway with Ben Troy named Australian Team Chef de Mission.
Troy has been Paralympics Australia’s General Manager of Information Technology Operations since 2016 and has played a leading role in setting up the logistical and technological framework for campaigns including Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022. He is also an accomplished skier, who first worked as an instructor at Thredbo 20 years ago.
“To be appointed Chef de Mission for Milano-Cortina is an enormous honour and I’m grateful to our Chief Executive Catherine Clark and the Paralympics Australia Board for entrusting me to execute the role well,” Troy said.
“We have a three-year lead-in to what promises to be an amazing Games in a spectacular setting and we have an exciting group of athletes who’ll be vying to compete at the pinnacle event.
“I’m excited to get to work putting everything in place so we can build on the encouraging results our Team secured in Beijing last year.”
The announcement of Troy as Chef de Mission coincides with his first site visit to Cortina where he will attend the Para-Alpine Skiing World Cup event there.
Troy’s experience working with Para-athletes dates back two decades.
“Way back then I was teaching adaptive skiing to people with various impairments and I knew immediately that I wanted to be involved with the Paralympics in one way or another,” he said.
“I’ve been very fortunate since then to have worked with Australian Paralympic Teams at five Games, which I’ve always found extremely rewarding and a great privilege.”
Troy takes over as Winter Team Chef de Mission from Kate McLoughlin, who led the Australian Summer Paralympic Teams at Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and has been appointed for Paris 2024.
Clark, PA’s Chief Executive, said Troy’s rare combination of skills would be invaluable before and during the Games, which are scheduled to start on March 6, 2026.
“I’m pleased Ben has accepted our nomination for Chef de Mission and I’m confident he will do an outstanding job,” Clark said.
“Ben has a deep understanding of what it takes to ensure our athletes have everything they need to perform at their best. He’s an expert in logistics, information technology and cyber security, complemented by a personable and supportive nature and approachability. Those attributes, together with his passion for snow sports, make him an exceptional leader to guide our preparations for Milano-Cortina.”
By: David Sygall, Paralympics Australia
Posted: 10 March 2023
