Liana France, at 16, becomes Australia’s youngest female winter Paralympian by competing in the women’s giant slalom standing and finishing 15th.

Reports suggest a 14-year-old may also be among Australia’s youngest female Winter Paralympians, highlighting a record-setting generation.

France’s Paralympic journey began after a vehicle accident at age 13, which redirected her path toward Paralympic sport, inspired in part by a childhood dream from Peppa Pig.

Gunew spoke of four years of preparation with her guide and expressed optimism about improving in the upcoming slalom despite tough competition.

France expressed pride and a resolve to be a standout presence for future Australian Paralympic teams, aiming to be a notable figure in the sport.

France drew fanfare with a pink flag bearing her face and wore green-and-gold wigs, following a pre-race request from her family.

The pink flag with her face, held by family and friends, celebrated her finish and reflected her favorite color and pre-race instructions.

Gunew finished 11th in the vision-impaired classification, with both she and France set to compete again in the women’s slalom.

Australia’s two Paralympic women’s skiing teammates shared emotional reactions after a historic moment, with Georgia Gunew praising the rare occasion of two Australian female Paralympians competing in the same event and acknowledging her guide, Ethan Jackson.

From childhood inspiration sparked by Peppa Pig and Snowy Mountain, one athlete cultivated a lifelong dream of Olympic skiing and is now competing at Milano Cortina 2026.

The Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games coverage is being broadcast across Nine Network, 9Now and Stan Sport.

France made her Paralympic debut in the women’s giant slalom standing, finishing 15th out of 22 competitors.