Sweden Unveils 13-Athlete Paralympic Team for 2026 Games Amid Opening Ceremony Boycott Debate

As the 2026 Winter Paralympics approach, set to begin on March 6 in Italy, Sweden has announced a 13-athlete delegation competing across four sports. Highlighted among the team are medal prospects Ebba Årsjö in alpine skiing and Zebastian Modin, competing in cross-country skiing and biathlon, underscoring Sweden's ambitions for success on the international stage.

One of the most compelling stories is that of 23-year-old debutant Elijah Primak, who qualified on the final possible day. After a tragic suicide attempt at age 17 left him with a severe spinal injury and wheelchair-bound, Primak found a new path through sitskiing, which he began after a friend's ski trip inspired him. Through dedication and significant progress over two training seasons, he has joined the elite ranks of Swedish para-athletes. Reflecting on his qualification, Primak revealed, "I was completely shaky and overjoyed."

While the team is preparing to compete, the Swedish Paralympic delegation has chosen not to boycott the opening ceremony in Verona, despite controversy surrounding the event. This decision comes after several countries, including Ukraine, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Poland, have boycotted the ceremony due to the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes competing under their national flags — a move Sweden’s Paralympic head, Niclas Grön, does not support. Grön noted that Sweden had been aware for two years that they would not attend the opening ceremony, which takes place about a twelve-hour journey from the competition sites.

Sweden’s approach reflects a balance of competitive focus and political awareness as athletes gear up for the Paralympics marathon from March 6 to 15. The team looks forward to showcasing talent and resilience in a highly anticipated international event.