Chasing Milano-Cortina 2026: Pho3nix Athletes Rising

With less than a year to go until the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Milano-Cortina, Pho3nix Athlete Program athletes are one step closer to achieving their goals.

The Pho3nix Athlete Program (PAP) supports underfunded Olympic and Paralympic athletes by providing funding for training, equipment, competition, and travel, leveling the playing field so they can dedicate both mental capacity and physical energy to achieving peak performance.

Three PAP athletes have now secured quota spots for their respective federations, bolstering their chances for selection into their Winter Olympic national teams.

Oriol Cardona Coll dominated the season, clinching Spain’s quota spot in men’s ski mountaineering when he won his second consecutive sprint world title at the ISMF World Championships in Morgins. He has emerged as a strong favourite to help Spain win the sport’s first Olympic medals as it debuts at Milano-Cortina.

He stated, “The journey to the Olympics is never easy; so many things can hold you back. Having the right support makes a big difference and helps me keep improving.”

Fellow ski mountaineer Maximilien Drion claimed a spot for Belgium through winning silver in the vertical race at the ISMF World Championships in Morgins and bronze in the World Cup sprint event in Tromsø, Norway.

“Thanks to your support, I have been able to improve in many areas and secure an Olympic quota spot,” he said. “I have also been inspired by the performances of other athletes supported by the Pho3nix Foundation.”

Kamilla Kozuback clinched spots for Hungary in women’s slopestyle and big air snowboard, with an impressive 93.33-point win at the MINI Mountain Mash as a major highlight of her season.

She said, “As my sport has instrumental financial costs, Pho3nix has supported my training and competitions, allowing me to pursue my passion and make my dreams come true in 2026.”

They are now focused on building on their successes, pushing their limits, and standing ready when called on to represent their nations on sport’s biggest stage.