Despite being marketed as a 'mixed' event, women remain severely underrepresented at the Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina. Out of 135 Para-ice hockey competitors, only one woman will compete - Akari Fukunishi from Japan. Kelsey DiClaudio, a world champion and one of the best female Para-ice hockey players globally, was not selected despite her sport being designated as mixed.

Since its debut in 1994, only four women have competed in Para-ice hockey, even though an optional 18th squad spot is reserved for female athletes. The International Paralympic Committee aims for gender parity, with female participation rising to 26.1% in Milan-Cortina from 44.7% at the Summer Games in Paris. However, critics argue that mixed events merely serve as window dressing.

Dr. Nikolaus Dean's research found these sports provide little opportunity for women to join the Paralympic movement. DiClaudio believes the mixed designation exists to "deflect outrage" rather than create real opportunities. While the IPC acknowledges progress is too slow, a separate women's Para-ice hockey event could bring over 80 female athletes to future Games. The current system leaves talented players like DiClaudio watching from home while questioning why true gender equality remains elusive in Paralympic sports.