Japan Celebrates First Medal at Winter Paralympics 2026 with Muraoka's Silver
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 in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, finishing second and giving Japan its first podium finish of the Games.
Remarkable Comeback After Injury
Muraoka's performance came after she spent months recovering from a broken left collarbone suffered in November 2025. The silver medal adds another chapter to her impressive Paralympic career. The Japanese skier had already won three gold medals at the Winter Paralympics 2022 in Beijing. With Monday's result, she now owns a total of 10 Paralympic medals across multiple Games.
Despite returning cautiously after her injury, Muraoka's run proved vital for Japan's campaign in northern Italy, where the Games will continue until next Sunday. Her medal came as a major boost for the Japanese team, which had gone through the first two official days of competition without reaching the podium.
Cautious Approach to Competition
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. "The race marked my return after the injury, and I was happy to compete again at the Paralympics," she said.
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.
Mental Reset and Renewed Perspective
The time away from competition also changed how Muraoka looks at the sport. She 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.
"The break gave me time to appreciate why I love this sport," Muraoka explained. "It wasn't just about physical recovery but also rediscovering my passion for competitive skiing."
Japanese Team Performance and Context
Muraoka herself had withdrawn from the women's sitting downhill event earlier in the Games while continuing to recover.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, representing 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.
The Japanese Paralympic Committee expressed satisfaction with Muraoka's achievement, noting that it sets a positive tone for the remainder of the competition. Team officials highlighted that Muraoka's performance demonstrates the resilience and determination of Japanese athletes competing at the highest level of Paralympic sport.
