Winter Paralympics 2026: Nina Sparks on becoming Great Britain’s first Paralympic snowboarder

Heading into the Milan-Cortina Paralympics, which begin Friday, Sparks has earned a four-time World Cup and two-time World Championship medal across the LL2 figure skating events, for athletes with lower extremity weakness with fewer activity limitations than their LL1 counterparts.

Because of her multiple sclerosis, a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, she uses an orthotic to walk and competes with the ankle-foot orthotics in her shoes.

“The most important thing for me is that I now need to nap, every day, without fail,” she says.

“We came from the mountain and I’m right on the bed.

“Some days I might be able to do five rounds, some days I might be able to do 25, and maybe the next day I need an extra day of rest because I’m so tired. Quality over quantity, that’s what one of my coaches often says.”

Sparks is joined by fellow snowboarders James Barnes-Miller, Olly Hill, Matt Hamilton and Davey Zio in the 25-strong British Paralympic squad.

On March 14, she will compete in the LL2 women’s slalom, a technical discipline that races against the clock on a course of tight turns.

“In our sport, a big thing is visibility. We often have very small numbers at our competitions, just because around the world there aren’t a lot of women with disabilities participating in para snowboarding,” says Sparks.

“I certainly won’t be the only woman making history for her country at these Games. So showing up and trying is half the battle.

“It will be amazing, and I will be very nervous too. This has been a huge journey and I hope my journey will continue beyond Milan-Cortina, but it will be a huge milestone.”