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Members of Australia’s Paralympic Winter Team have been welcomed home from Milano Cortina 2026 with an emotional reception at Sydney International Airport on Wednesday, with support from Qantas.
Athletes and team officials arrived through the international arrivals gate to cheers, embraces, and a sea of green and gold, as family, friends, and supporters came together to celebrate their return.
Among those welcoming the team was Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia, whose presence highlighted the significance of the moment and the pride of a nation recognising its Paralympians.
Leading the team out was Ben Tudhope, whose standout campaign in Italy saw him claim silver and bronze medals in Para snowboard, cementing his place among the leading Winter Paralympians in Australian history.
“To see this – to come out and be greeted by family, friends, and even my babysitter from when I was three years old – it really is incredible,” Tudhope said.
“My heartbeat is still going! I was probably more nervous coming out here than in the actual races. The support from home has been amazing, and to have the Governor General’s backing makes it even more special,” he added.
Tudhope was joined by Para Nordic athletes Dave Miln, Taryn Dickens and guide Lyn Cullen, and Matt Brumby, whose performances across Para biathlon and cross-country skiing contributed to a strong overall team showing.
Dickens reflected on the return and the unexpected fame of the team’s service dogs.
“I’m so happy to be home. The support from everyone back home was incredible. And we never thought our dogs would go viral!
“Qantas feels like home – as soon as we saw the Qantas logo, it felt like we were back. It was so nice to hug my wife and mother-in-law and just see everyone here.”
Adding to the colour of the morning were the viral celebrity superstars themselves – service dogs Suki, Gigi and Willow – charming the crowd and winning hearts as fast as they went viral.
The team was officially welcomed by Her Excellency, family, friends and supporters, creating a powerful moment of national recognition for their achievements on the world stage.
For Chef de Mission Ben Troy, the reception was a fitting close to years of preparation.
“It was an amazing welcome. These athletes have worked so hard, and see them greeted by family, friends, the public – and Qantas, of course – was incredible. The athlete loved it.”
“As Chef de Mission, I’m a passionate supporter of winter Para sport, and to see how this team has connected Australians with our sport and changed perceptions back home has been truly remarkable.”
“Three and a half years of my life was dedicated to building this team, and to come back and feel that cheer as we walked through arrivals was the perfect close to our campaign. Everyone loved it, and now we look forward to 2030.”
“I want to acknowledge the whole Paralympics Australia team – in Italy and back home – who put everything into delivering this campaign. Their dedication and attention to every detail created the incredible environment.”
Australia concluded the Milano Cortina campaign with several top-10 finishes including two medals, reflecting the growing depth and competitiveness of the nation’s winter Para sport program.
The arrival also highlighted the integral role of Qantas, whose support was central to the team’s journey to and from the Games. Qantas transported members of the team safely to the world stage and home again amid an unpredictable global travel landscape – reinforcing the airline’s genuine care and long-standing commitment to Australian Paralympians.
As the curtain fell on the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, athletes were encouraged to carry the Paralympic spirit forward, celebrating difference, connection, and the power of sport to bring people together.
That spirit was on full display in Sydney this morning – the joyful reunions with family, friends and the awe in the eyes of young athletes and supporters, made one thing clear: Australia’s Paralympic spirit is thriving, and the next generation is ready to carry it forward to LA 2028, French Alps 2030, and beyond.
By Ashley Gillespie, Paralympics Australia.
By 18 March, 2026.
