On Tuesday 24 February 2026, OKS Millie Knight (MR 2012-17) had the honour of lighting the Paralympic flame ahead of the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Milano Cortina. The flame was lit in Stoke Mandeville, the home of the Paralympics, and Millie was accompanied by fellow GB Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey.

It was a meaningful moment for Millie, a retired Paralympic skier who competed in the slalom, giant slalom, Super-G, super combined and downhill events with a sighted guide. She has enjoyed an impressive Paralympic career: at just 15, she became the youngest athlete ever to compete for ParalympicsGB at a Winter Games. She went on to represent Great Britain at three Paralympic Games, winning four medals - two silver and two bronze.

The flame will now travel to Italy, and in 10 days, will light the cauldron in Verona during the Opening Ceremony to mark the start of the Milano Cortina 2026 games.

Reflecting on the moment on Instagram, Millie said:

In 1948, sport here began as rehabilitation. It grew into something that changed how the world sees disability and possibility. Standing in that same place, knowing the flame will now travel to Milano Cortina for the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, felt incredibly powerful.

The Paralympic Movement has shaped so much of my life. As an athlete, it gave me purpose, challenge and belonging. Today felt like a reminder that being part of it doesn’t end when competition does.

Lighting the flame wasn’t about one moment. It was about continuity. About those who came before us, and those who will carry it next.

Truly grateful to have played a small part in that story.

Since stepping away from Paralympic skiing, Millie has continued to push boundaries in sports. She has turned her focus to Taekwondo and Karate, where she has achieved remarkable success, earning the title of Taekwondo World Champion and becoming a Karate Commonwealth Champion.