At the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Florence Carrier made her Paralympic debut as the youngest member of the Canadian Paralympic Team and competed at Olimpia delle Tofane in para-alpine skiing in the Giant Slalom and Slalom. Florence competed at her first World Cup in the 2024/25 season, and she became the 2x champion at the 2023 Canada Winter Games at Prince Edward Island when she won Gold in the Para Slalom and Para Giant Slalom, with the competition marking her first time racing at national level and against other para athletes. We recently spoke to Florence about her Paralympic debut at the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Italy, what it’s like representing Canada and winning Gold in the Para Slalom and Para Giant Slalom at the 2023 Canada Winter Games.
You have just made your Paralympic debut at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy; how did you feel being selected for your first Winter Paralympics as the youngest member of the Canadian Paralympic Team?
It felt surreal. When I got the news that I’d been selected, my first reaction was pure excitement. Representing Canada at the Paralympics had always felt like this huge, almost untouchable dream, and suddenly it was real. Being the youngest member of the team made it even more special, and it filled me with a deep sense of pride.
What was it like representing Canada at the Winter Paralympics and how did you prepare for your races?
Representing Canada at the Paralympics felt like a dream come true. Since these were my first Games, my main goal was to soak in the experience and have as much fun as possible. That being said, to prepare for the races, I just reminded myself that I didn’t need to have expectations and to just have fun.
How was the experience racing at Olimpia delle Tofane in para-alpine skiing, and how do you feel your competitions in Giant Slalom and Slalom went?
The race run in Cortina is already legendary and getting to experience it while at the Games just made the whole experience even more extraordinary. My competitions didn’t go as well as I had been doing during the regular season, but I’m still proud of my performances.
How different did you find the Winter Paralympics to your previous competitions, and how did you stay focused during the Games?
Everything at the Paralympics felt so much more grand. Everything was more electric and more exciting than a regular competition. To stay focused, I would try and concentrate on stuff that I could feel so I wouldn’t be too distracted by the things going on around me.
What was it like staying in the athletes village and do you have any favourite memories from your time in Italy that you can share?
Staying in the athletes village was very fun. There was an ambience in the air that was full of excitement and ambition. My favourite memory from the village is from after the closing ceremony. They went on pretty late, so everyone ended up coming back to the village and everyone ended up in the dining hall and we all just stayed there together.
How was it making your World Cup debut in the 2024/25 season and what are World Cups like to race at?
Being on the World Cup circuit for the first time is a big step up from the competitions I had done before, but I can say that I learnt a lot from them.
You won Gold in the Women’s Para Slalom and Para Giant Slalom at the 2023 Canada Winter Games, how was your time competing at Prince Edward Island in a multi-sport competition and how was it coming away as 2x champion?
The Canadian Winter Games were the first time I ever raced at the national level and against other para athletes (I had always raced against able-bodied athletes growing up). I had no idea what to expect going into those races. I felt immense joy and pride walking away from it as a 2x champion!
How did you get started in alpine skiing and what do you enjoy most about the sport?
I got started in the sport when I was three. I lived 10 minutes away from Mont Orford, so my parents signed me up for ski lessons when I was three. I started racing when I was nine at Mont Owl’s Head, and I haven’t looked back since. I would say I love alpine skiing because every run is different – whether it’s the course that changes or the conditions that are different, there’s always new things to assess.
Can you tell us about your typical training day?
On a typical training day, we usually ski from about 8:30/9:00 to about 12:00. Then go to the gym for one to two hours.
Have you received any advice over your time involved with alpine skiing so far that has stuck with you?
One piece of advice that has really stuck with me during all my races came from one of my coaches from Owl’s Head. He said, “Technique first, then speed will follow”.
Do you have any favourite sports to watch, or favourite athletes/competitors to support?
During the 2026 Games, I enjoyed watching the freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I like to spend my free time outside, reading and crocheting.
When will you start preparing for the 2026/27 season and how will you get competition ready?
I’m preparing for the 2026/27 season by keeping up with my gym programme and making sure I’m as strong as possible for the start of the next season!
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