Fred Warburton made his Paralympic debut just a year after his first official ski race, finishing seventh in Saturday's men's downhill at the Milan-Cortina Games. The 31-year-old, who lost his vision to Retinitis Pigmentosa seven years ago, started skiing seriously to impress his Italian father-in-law. Racing with guide James Hannan, Warburton completed the course in 1 minute 52.03 seconds, 14.24 seconds behind winner Johannes Aigner of Austria.

Warburton described the experience as 'a rollercoaster ride,' expressing disbelief that his journey from a tourist skier to a Paralympian was possible just five years prior. 'I'm not much of a poker player, but you've got to play the hand you're dealt,' he said, adding his father-in-law was watching back home and 'super proud.' Warburton and Hannan only met about 18 months ago, seizing their maiden Paralympic opportunity. Fellow British athlete Neil Simpson and his guide brother Andrew finished fourth in the same event, 2.67 seconds off the podium. Simpson is the defending Super G champion, set to compete again on Monday.

Scottish skier Scott Meenagh, a flagbearer, struggled in the men's Para-biathlon seated sprint, missing six shots and finishing nearly five minutes behind winner Taras Rad of Ukraine. Meenagh, competing in three more events, acknowledged the shooting challenge ahead. Meanwhile, Great Britain's wheelchair curling team lost 9-2 to Slovakia in their first round-robin match, while pairs Jo Butterfield and Jason Kean face Japan in mixed doubles later Saturday.