Momoka Muraoka wins silver in Super-G sitting, secures Japan’s first medal at Milano Cortina Winter Paralympics 2026

Japan opened its medal account at the Winter Paralympics 2026 on Monday as Para alpine skier Momoka Muraoka captured silver in the women’s Super-G sitting event. The 29-year-old athlete delivered a steady run at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Center to finish second and give Japan its first podium finish of the Games.

Muraoka’s performance came after she spent months recovering from a broken left collarbone suffered in November.The silver medal adds another chapter to Muraoka’s impressive Paralympic career. The Japanese skier had already won three gold medals at the Winter Paralympics 2022. With Monday’s result, she now owns a total of 10 Paralympic medals. Despite returning cautiously after injury, her run proved vital for Japan’s campaign in northern Italy, where the Games will continue until next Sunday.

Momoka Muraoka delivers a careful run to claim silver

Momoka Muraoka approached the Super-G race carefully as she continued her return from injury. Speaking after the race, Muraoka explained that the event was an important step in her recovery process. She said the race marked her return after the injury and that she was happy to compete again at the Paralympics. At the same time, she admitted she avoided taking major risks during the run because she did not want to worsen her condition.

Because of that approach, she felt she did not race at her full capacity and believed there was still more she could give in future events.The time away from competition also changed how she looks at the sport. Muraoka said the break from skiing allowed her to mentally reset. Being off the slopes helped her reflect on her career and reconnect with the reasons she enjoys the sport. She added that the time away reminded her of the simple joy of skiing.Her medal also came as a major boost for the Japanese team. Japan had gone through the first two official days of competition without reaching the podium. Muraoka herself withdrew from the women’s sitting downhill event earlier in the Games while continuing to recover. Meanwhile, Japan’s leading Para snowboarder Junta Kosuda narrowly missed a medal after finishing fourth in the men’s snowboard cross final.Japan has sent 44 athletes to compete at the Milan-Cortina Games, its largest delegation for an overseas Winter Paralympics. The team is taking part in 79 events across six sports. At the Beijing 2022 Paralympics, Japan finished with seven medals, including four golds.