6 Months on from Milano-Cortina | Liana France

At nine years old, Liana finished a day at ski school holding a checklist for conquering a black diamond run. The box read “See you at the Olympics,” and from that moment on she was determined to tick it.

Six months ago, she did. Liana made her debut at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Paralympic Games.

Since then, she’s been a Paralympian who has returned to her high school routine, something she balances with her ski racing.

“I wish I could say that my life has drastically changed, that it's so interesting, but it's back to year 11, back in the gym, just back to normal, I guess, teenager life.” 

“My school is thankfully very forgiving and gives me some time off. In all my school holidays I'll go overseas, so luckily I've organised that with the team.”

Next, Liana will return to the Northern Hemisphere to train and compete on the FIS World Cup circuit, where she hopes to have a breakout season and reach the podium.

“I'm hoping to get a couple of podiums in the World Cup this season. That's definitely my big goal.”

When it comes to her race day non-negotiables, her priorities are her snacks.

“It would have to be my snacks. If I don't have snacks, then it's not a good day.”

“Go-to's for race day would have to be a little chocolate bar. Cannot go wrong with a chocolate bar.”

However, it is not just a chocolate bar that gets Liana in the zone, she has her own ritual that she repeats before every race.

“Before I race I like to tap my pole against my prosthetic. That's always something to get me in the zone. I just tighten up my gloves and just really look down the course and visualize it.”

The best advice she has ever received came from her coaches, who reminded her just before the Games that skiing is meant to be fun, and to enjoy the experience.

“The best piece of advice I've ever received was from my coaches and they told me right before the games that it's not that serious. Like just remember to have fun and no one has any expectations and just enjoy yourself.”