Kelly Gallagher, Britain's first Winter Paralympic gold medallist, is advising the current GB team ahead of Milano-Cortina 2026. The visually impaired skier, who won gold in Sochi 2014 with guide Charlotte Evans, brings invaluable experience to the 25-strong squad. Gallagher emphasizes the unique pressure of the once-every-four-years opportunity and the need for athletes to focus on their performance.

Gallagher highlights the team's strength, including Britain's first female snowboarder Nina Sparks, and the spread of experience across multiple disciplines. She notes that winter sports are inherently unpredictable, making it difficult to target specific medal counts. The team faces added complexity with Russian athletes competing under their national flag for the first time since 2014, a decision Gallagher says requires athletes to stay focused on their goals.

The former athlete stresses the importance of mental preparation and blocking out political distractions during competition. She explains the unique partnership between visually impaired skiers and their guides, describing it as 'artistry' requiring trust and precise communication. Gallagher's insights come as GB aims for between two and five medals, with the team benefiting from increased National Lottery funding that has transformed winter sports preparation since her competitive days.