Georgia Gunew, an alpine skier from Australia, is gearing up for the 2026 Paralympic Games in Milano Cortina, overcoming significant visual challenges in her quest for excellence. Despite being legally blind since the age of 15 due to Stargardt’s macular dystrophy, Gunew is determined to make her mark on the slopes.
Gunew has faced the daunting reality of navigating through life with a central blind spot that leaves her vision in “low resolution.” The 23-year-old athlete acknowledges the nerves that accompany high-speed skiing but remains undeterred. “Sometimes I do feel apprehensive,” she stated, reflecting on the excitement and fear that come with her sport.
From Ice Hockey to Slalom Skiing
Before embracing the world of skiing, Gunew was a competitive hockey player in Brisbane. After losing her ability to play hockey, she sought a new outlet for her competitive spirit. “When I had to give it up, I started to look for a new sport that I could channel my competitive nature into,” she explained. It was during this search that she discovered slalom skiing, a sport that she found to be a perfect fit for her adrenaline-seeking personality.
In slalom skiing, athletes navigate between closely spaced poles at high speeds, requiring intense focus and skill. To assist her on the slopes, Gunew collaborates closely with her guide, Ethan Jackson, who skis ahead of her and provides real-time directions through a headset. They have been a team for three years, relying heavily on trust and communication to navigate the challenges of the course.
“We have these Bluetooth headsets on our helmets and we both have microphones,” Gunew explained. “Ethan’s able to let me know what’s coming up, and I’m able to let him know where I’m at.” Jackson added that the nuances of skiing, such as changes in light and terrain, are vital for Gunew’s success. “Sometimes I try to hide things from Georgia so she doesn’t worry,” he said.
A Unique Training Dynamic
Their training sessions are not solely focused on skiing; they often incorporate humor and fun to keep the atmosphere light. “It’s a full-blown concert every single day,” Gunew joked, noting their penchant for singing during practice. “He’s super fortunate that I’m a fantastic singer,” she added with a laugh.
Every day, Gunew and Jackson rise before dawn to travel to the snowfields, where they train rigorously. Their training schedule includes morning skiing and afternoons dedicated to strength and conditioning in the gym. The athletes spend the winter months in the NSW Snowy Mountains, with up to seven months a year spent training overseas to maximize their performance.
The Australian Paralympic team, although small, boasts remarkable talent. Ali Bombardier, the manager of the team and head alpine coach, described the squad as one that “packs a real punch.” Bombardier emphasized the importance of tailored training plans for each athlete, which present both challenges and rewards. “I get to work with people that all have different disabilities, so we focus on their strengths,” she noted.
Gunew and Jackson’s dynamic is often highlighted as exemplary within the team. Bombardier described their partnership as “amazing,” noting the positive energy they bring to their training environment.
As they look ahead to the upcoming Paralympic Games, Gunew expressed her excitement about the journey they have undertaken. “It’s what we’ve been working towards the last four years,” she said. With unwavering determination and a supportive team, Gunew aims to showcase her skills on the world stage, proving that limitations can be overcome with resilience and teamwork.
