G'day, I'm Liana, a 16 year old Alpine Skier from Beechworth Victoria, who is striving to make it to the 2026 Winter Paralympics, being held in Milano-Cortina, and I need your help to get there!

I don't come from a skiing family, but fell in love with skiing when watching an episode of Pepper Pig as a two year old. On my third birthday I got into junior ski school at Falls Creek for a single lesson, and the skills tag they gave me went from yellow (learners) to black, and finished with 'see you at the Olympics': I took it literally. I spent all summer with two pairs of socks on, sliding down the hallway, practicing my 'pizza's' and 'french fries', and I have never looked back.

My plan for the Olympics was derailed when I severed and lost use of my hand as a result of a vehicle accident in 2023, but as soon as I was out of the Royal Children's Hospital I was back on the slopes training with Falls Creek Race Club. My goal had switched from the Olympics to the Paralympics.

I now ski with one ski pole in my right hand, and a prosthetic on my left. I am classified LW6/8-2, and aim to compete in both Slalom and Giant Slalom in the 2026 Winter Paralympics for Australia.

I have been long listed for the 2026 Winter Paralympics Team, and I am now a contracted athlete with the Australian Para Alpine Team. We are currently in Italy training prior to the competition starting in December. I am well on the way to being able to qualify for the Games!

My Northern Hemisphere FIS racing schedule over the next 4 months with the Australian Team looks like including: Malvern (LIE), Steinach (AUT) where I will hopefully compete in a Super G race, Ischyl (AUT), Lachanhof (AUT), Hinterstoder (AUT), Prapantel (FRA) and finally Cortina (ITA)

Where I need your help is to help fund some of my equipment, training, and competition expenses, to help me get to the games.