I need to make something very clear before we all descend on Italy for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games.
This is a friendly warning. A public service announcement. A gentle nudge delivered with a sturdy crutch.
If you are a journalist, commentator, broadcaster, podcast host, enthusiastic uncle with a Facebook account, or anyone holding a microphone within striking distance of me — and you use the word “Olympic” or (brace yourself) “Para-Olympic” when referring to the Paralympic Games…
You will be corrected.
Immediately.
And probably a little gruffly.
Let’s get this straight. They are the Paralympic Games. Not the Olympics. Not the Para-Olympics. Not the “Para-Olys.” Not “the Olympics but with disabilities.” Just. The. Paralympics.
It’s one word. Say it with me: Para-lym-pics.
Now, before anyone thinks I’ve turned into the language police on a power trip, let me explain why this matters.
The Paralympic Games are not a spin-off. They’re not a warm-up act. They’re not an afterthought. They are the pinnacle of para sport. They have their own history, their own standards, their own heroes, and their own fiercely competitive environment. When you accidentally (or lazily) call them the Olympics, you’re unintentionally shrinking what they are.
And we’re not here to be shrunk.
Over the years I’ve had this conversation more times than I can count. I’ve corrected regional radio hosts, TV presenters, well-meaning MCs at corporate lunches… and yes, even the legendary Bruce McAvaney.
That’s right. If Bruce isn’t safe, nobody is.
To his credit, he took it beautifully. Total professional. But the point stands — accuracy matters. If we can get athletes’ names right (and please do), we can get the name of the Games right too.
Now, will I actually launch myself at you from across a mixed zone if you slip up? Possibly. Depends how he femur’s holding up. But it won’t come from a place of ego. It’ll come from pride.
Because I’m proud to be a Paralympian.
Proud of the athletes who train just as hard, hurt just as much, and sacrifice just as deeply as anyone else chasing the biggest sporting dream.
Proud of the standard of competiton.
Proud of the next generation watching and deciding that they belong here too.
Language shapes perception. If we keep casually folding the Paralympics into the Olympics linguistically, we reinforce the idea that one is the “real” Games and the other is an appendix.
We are not an appendix.
We are the Paralympics.
So here’s the deal ahead of Milano Cortina: ask me tough questions. Critique my line through a turn. Analyse my split times. That’s fair game.
But if you say “Olympics” when you mean Paralympics… be prepared for a firm, possibly eyebrow-raised, correction.
Delivered with love.
Mostly.
See you in Italy.
Milto