Giacomo Bertagnolli is undoubtedly one of the greatest Para alpine skiers of all time, skiings down the mountain at rapid speed with just 5% vision.

After winning 4 medals at PyeongChang 2018 and another 4 medals at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, he arrives for the Milano Cortina 2026 with a new bold ambition: 5 gold medals across 5 core events. As one of the faces of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, the spotlight is on — and Giacomo knows it…

But Giacomo isn't just chasing medals. He is hoping to see his country change through hosting the Paralympic Winter Games for the second time. To see a new generation of disabled kids taking up Para sport, to see attitudes change, to see a meaningful legacy for disabled people across Italy.

Giacomo joins Matt from his home in northern Italy, just hours from Milano Cortina, in the final stages of his preparations. He talks to Matt the importance of his guide, what it takes to perform under pressure, his hopes for the Games, his dreams beyond Milano Cortina 2026 and much more.

Produced by the creators of the Emmy Award-winning Rising Phoenix, in official partnership with Milano Cortina 2026 and supported by Procter & Gamble, a worldwide Paralympic partner.

This is a Harder Than You Think production.

Host: Matt Stutzman

Producers: Calum Campbell and Vanessa Wheeler

Video Editor: Nic Woinilowicz

Audio Post Production: String and Tins

Sound Editor: Culum Simpson

Remote Recording Engineer: George Hinson

Audio Producer: Esi Jonuzi

Executive Producers: Greg Nugent and Barnaby Spurrier

The podcast’s soundtrack is titled “Rising Phoenix” - Written by Daniel Pemberton, Keith Jones, Toni Hickman and George Doman. Performed by Daniel Pemberton, Toni Hickman, georgetragic, and Keith Jones. Published by Alika’s Publishing, Doman Development, Moncur Street Music Limited, administered by peermusic (UK) Ltd.

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