Sit-skier Brian Rowland is eagerly anticipating the start of the 2025-26 FIS season. The Para alpine World Cup series is set to kick off on December 10 in Steinach am Brenner, Austria, with athletes like Rowland preparing for a season leading up to the prestigious Milano Cortina event.
Having competed in the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics, Rowland, the lone male representative from Canada in his discipline, achieved moderate results in the giant slalom and super-G events. Now, four years later, he is feeling more self-assured and prepared to hit the slopes once again.
Reflecting on his Paralympic debut, Rowland has since continued to excel in competitions. Last April, he secured multiple podium finishes at the Europa Cup and International FIS events towards the end of his campaign.
During the off-season, the Merrickville, Ont., native embraced various adrenaline-fueled activities, including BMX biking, wakeboarding, and dirt biking. Despite being paralyzed from the waist down due to a motocross accident in 2015, Rowland remains active and engaged in thrilling pursuits.
In addition to his athletic endeavors, Rowland volunteers with Ski Ability Ottawa, offering individuals the opportunity to participate in waterskiing. He is passionate about giving back to the community and has also been involved with Classroom Champions, mentoring young students to help them achieve their aspirations.
Returning to the slopes this fall after competing in the Southern Hemisphere Cup in September, Rowland clinched a silver medal in giant slalom, marking a strong start to the season. He acknowledges the challenges of competitive racing but remains resilient and determined to push himself to new heights.
Looking ahead to upcoming competitions, Rowland aims to build on his past performances and earn more FIS points. Despite facing occasional setbacks, he remains undeterred and maintains a positive outlook on his journey in Para alpine skiing.
As he prepares to compete alongside his Alpine Canada teammates in Austria this December, Rowland is focused on making a mark at Milano Cortina in three months. He hopes for improved results this time around and encourages viewers to support the Paralympics, emphasizing the unique and inspiring nature of sit-skiing as a sport that deserves more recognition.
Transitioning from snowboarding to sit-skiing following his accident, Rowland embraces the challenges of his sport and is motivated by the opportunity to compete against top sit-skiers in the Winter Games’ Slalom events this season. With his sights set on representing Canada on the global stage, Rowland urges his fellow Canadians to tune in and show their support during the upcoming competitions.