Mattia dal Pastro: From Invictus Games to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics

Mattia dal Pastro is an Italian Paralympian, a Para Nordic skier competing in cross‑country skiing and biathlon at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics, but above all, he sees himself as someone in recovery, using sport as a tool to rebuild his life, a journey that began years ago on his first road to the Invictus Games and will continue well beyond the Paralympics.

His journey into elite winter sports began after a life-changing traffic accident that caused the loss of use of his right arm, a challenge he has met with determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to recovery through sport.

Mattia began using sport for recovery and rehabilitation, when he joined the We Are Invictus platform, a closed platform for the international wounded, injured or sick service personnel and veteran community, ran by the Invictus Games Foundation that provides access to our community and the Beyond the Games programme.

He immediately began challenging himself, running the London Marathon and shortly after completing the iconic race, he had his injured arm amputated. While still recovering from the amputation he took part in an Invictus Adventure to Colorado to summit a mountain and trek across the Great Sand Dunes.

Mattia was then selected to compete at the Invictus Games The Hague 2020, describing it as a pivotal moment on his recovery journey.

“It was the moment I stopped being a ‘patient’ and became an ‘athlete’ again,” he said as he reflected on his time at the Invictus Games before the opening of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics in his home country.

He participated first at The Hague and later at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, the first Games to feature winter sports, which provided a critical boost to his confidence and mental preparation.

“It was in Canada, amidst the snow and the incredible camaraderie of fellow veterans, that I truly realized my potential for elite winter sports. The Games provided a unique sanctuary where scars are badges of courage, giving me the momentum and confidence I needed to set my sights on the Paralympic stage.”

The Invictus Games also prepared Mattia for the pressures of elite competition. “The level of competition is incredibly high, requiring professional-level mental fortitude,” he said. Competing internationally taught him to manage nerves, focus under pressure, and refine his technical performance, particularly at Vancouver Whistler 2025 where he competed in the Open category due to a lack of other upper-amputee competitors. “It showed me that the discipline learned in the military, when applied to high-level training, can lead all the way to the Milano Cortina Paralympics. An unconquered mindset is the most valuable asset any athlete can possess.”

For Mattia, sport has been more than just physical rehabilitation; it has been a lifeline. “Beyond the obvious physical benefits, it provided me with a structured environment where I could focus on what my body could do rather than what it had lost. It transformed my relationship with my body from one of frustration to one of renewed partnership,” he explained.

This dedication and discipline to recovery, honed through years of training and competition, ultimately paved the way for his selection to compete at the Paralympics.

Mattia dal Pastro’s journey from the Invictus Games to the Paralympic stage is a powerful testament to the transformative role of sport in recovery, resilience, and elite performance, inspiring athletes and veterans alike to push beyond perceived limits.

Mattia is passionate about inspiring the next generation of wounded, injured, or sick service personnel and veterans.

“Take the leap. Never feel that your injury isn’t serious enough to participate. Whether you are aiming for a Paralympic podium or simply looking to regain your confidence, the path starts with the same step,” he said.

“The Invictus Community provides a support system that understands your journey without words. Embrace the opportunity to redefine yourself; you are not defined by what happened to you, but by the courage it takes to step back into the arena and reclaim your future. We Are Invictus.”