Japan's Momoka Muraoka claimed her second silver medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics, finishing runner-up in the women's giant slalom sitting event and extending her remarkable Paralympic medal collection to eleven.
The 28-year-old para-alpine skier delivered an aggressive run down the giant slalom course in Cortina d'Ampezzo, securing her second podium finish of these Games. The silver medal marks her third consecutive Paralympic medal in the women's giant slalom sitting category, demonstrating exceptional consistency at the highest level of competition.
Muraoka's performance in Italy adds to an already impressive Paralympic legacy. With eleven career Paralympic medals, she holds the record for the most Paralympic medals won by any Japanese athlete across all sports. Her ability to maintain elite performance across multiple Paralympic cycles underscores her status as one of Japan's greatest Paralympic competitors.
Second Medal in Milano Cortina
The giant slalom silver follows Muraoka's earlier medal at the 2026 Games, giving her two podium finishes in Milano Cortina. Her attacking approach to the technical discipline showcased the skill and determination that has defined her career since her Paralympic debut.
The sitting classification in para-alpine skiing is designed for athletes who have impairments affecting their lower limbs and compete using specialized sit-skis. Muraoka has mastered this discipline across multiple technical and speed events throughout her career.
Historic Medal Collection
Muraoka's eleven Paralympic medals represent a historic achievement in Japanese Paralympic sport. Her medal haul spans multiple Paralympic Games and includes podium finishes across various alpine skiing disciplines. The consistency required to win medals at three consecutive Paralympics in the same event demonstrates both technical mastery and mental fortitude.
Japanese broadcaster NHK provided live coverage of Muraoka's medal-winning performance on their E-television subchannel, with streaming available on NHK ONE for viewers who missed the live broadcast. The extensive coverage reflects the significant public interest in Paralympic alpine skiing in Japan and Muraoka's status as a national sporting icon.
