Lake Elmo, Minnesota native Sydney Peterson added to her impressive Paralympic medal count this week, securing a silver medal in the women’s sprint at the FIS Para Cross-Country World Cup in Poland. The 24-year-classic athlete’s performance on March 10, 2026, underscores her continued success as she prepares for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games.
Peterson’s silver medal finish comes as she continues her “Road to Milano Cortina 2026,” aiming to qualify for her second consecutive Winter Paralympic Games. The competition, held in Jakuszyce, Poland, saw 13 athletes from six nations – Sweden, France, Germany, Ukraine, Norway, and the United States – vying for the top spot in the sprint race. This achievement highlights the growing competitiveness within Para Nordic Skiing and the dedication of athletes like Peterson to pushing the boundaries of their sport.
The sprint race unfolded in two heats, with the top six competitors advancing to the final round. Peterson finished second, with a time of 3:21.37, behind a Norwegian athlete, and ahead of a Ukrainian competitor. According to information from the FIS Para Snow Sports organization, the winning Norwegian athlete competed in a Sport Class with 96% functionality, whereas Peterson and the Ukrainian athlete both competed at 89% functionality. As detailed in a report by Brant Feldman, these “Sport Classes” are designed to ensure fair competition by accounting for the adaptive challenges faced by each athlete, as designated by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).
Peterson, classified as LW9, races with 89% functionality. This classification relates to the impact of neurological disorders – specifically reflex sympathetic dystrophy and dystonia – on her left arm and leg. She began experiencing symptoms at age 13, and the condition has progressively affected her mobility. Despite these challenges, Peterson has demonstrated remarkable resilience and athletic prowess. Team USA’s profile of Peterson details her journey and accomplishments.
This silver medal adds to a growing list of accolades for the athlete. Peterson previously won a gold medal as part of the U.S. Mixed relay team at the 2022 Winter Paralympic Games in Beijing, along with two additional medals in cross-country skiing. She also secured medals at the 2025 World Championships. Notably, in 2023, Peterson underwent a deep-brain stimulation procedure – an invasive brain operation involving the implantation of an electrode connected to a battery pack in her chest – in an effort to reverse the worsening effects of her dystonia. She successfully returned to competition following the procedure.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Peterson is also a dedicated scholar. She graduated from St. Lawrence University in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and is currently pursuing a PhD in neuroscience at the University of Utah, balancing her rigorous training schedule with her academic pursuits. She also has endorsement deals with First Aid Beauty and Procter and Gamble.
Peterson opted to skip the second Para Nordic World Cup race in Poland, focusing instead on preparing for the final two races over the weekend of January 31 and February 1, 2026. The season will then pause before the Winter Paralympic Games in Milano Cortina, Italy. The upcoming Paralympic Games represent a significant opportunity for Peterson to build on her previous successes and further showcase her talent on the world stage.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics, scheduled to begin March 6, 2026, will be a key event for athletes across various Para sports. The Games are expected to draw significant international attention and highlight the achievements of athletes with disabilities. Peterson’s performance in Poland serves as a strong indicator of her potential for success at the Paralympics. Team USA’s Facebook post celebrated her advancement to the finals.
As Peterson continues her preparation for the Milano Cortina Games, her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a testament to the power of perseverance. The coming months will be crucial as she fine-tunes her training and prepares to compete against the world’s best Para Nordic skiers.
What are your thoughts on Sydney Peterson’s journey and her potential for success at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics? Share your comments below and help spread the word about this incredible athlete!
