Full Breakdown
Sheina Vaspi: Israel's Trailblazing Paralympic Skier at the 2026 Winter Games
3/8/2026, 11:08:03 PM
Sheina Vaspi's Journey to the Paralympics
Sheina Vaspi, a 25-year-old skier from Yesud HaMa’ala, is set to represent Israel at the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Cortina-Milan. As the first and only Israeli athlete to compete in the Winter Paralympics, Vaspi's journey is marked by resilience and a deep connection to her homeland, especially amid the ongoing conflict in Israel. Sheina lost her left leg at age three due to a car accident, yet she has transformed this adversity into a powerful narrative of determination and achievement in alpine skiing.
A Legacy of Bravery
Vaspi's drive is influenced by her grandfather, Major Yoav Vaspi, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Courage for his heroism during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. She reflects on her upbringing in a Chabad household, where the concept of being "handicapped" was never acknowledged. Instead, her family encouraged her to pursue sports, leading her to skiing at the age of 16. Despite starting later than most elite athletes, she quickly excelled, competing in the 2022 Winter Paralympics in Beijing, where she finished 15th in the Giant Slalom.
Overcoming Challenges
The road to Cortina has not been without its challenges. Vaspi faced a significant setback in January 2025 when she tore her ACL, an injury that posed a serious threat to her career as a para-athlete. She candidly describes the fear that accompanied her recovery, stating, “I’m coming back from a place of deep fear.” Nevertheless, she has shown remarkable resilience, supported by her physiotherapist, Dr. Ronnie Kiek, who emphasizes Vaspi's mental toughness and fighting spirit.
Faith and Commitment
Vaspi's commitment to her faith plays a crucial role in her athletic career. She has chosen to skip events scheduled on Shabbat, including her first downhill race, which falls on a Saturday. “If God wants the race to happen for me, He can change the weather and delay the event,” she asserts. This decision reflects her belief that her spiritual observance provides her with protection and strength.
The Weight of Representation
As Vaspi prepares for the Games, she carries the weight of personal loss, having recently lost her cousin, Arnon Benvenisti Vaspi, a soldier killed in Gaza, and her grandmother, who wished to see her compete. “Every run is with them,” she says, highlighting the emotional significance of her participation. Vaspi aims not only to compete but to ensure that the Israeli flag is present on the slopes, stating, “Without me, the flag of Israel won’t be at the Paralympic Games.”
Looking Ahead
With the world watching, Vaspi is determined to make her mark in Cortina. She acknowledges the need for greater support for winter sports in Israel, emphasizing that they represent a platform for national excellence. As she prepares for her events, including the Super-G and Giant Slalom, her focus remains on giving her all, embodying the spirit of perseverance and hope that defines her journey.
