Blog
Living the dream by Sean Rose (Forward - Autumn 2026)
We caught up with Double Paralympian and TV pundit Sean Rose about being part of the Channel 4 broadcasting team at this year’s Winter Paralympic Games in Milano-Cortina.
Q Can you describe the atmosphere at this year’s Winter Paralympic Games? What’s the trick of capturing that for an audience?
A The atmosphere was electric! There were massive highs, tears, joy and heartache – it had everything. Our crew in the mountain studio consisted of about 12 or 13 people, all bringing their A-game to make our part of the programme jump off the screen. Life in our outdoor studio was a hoot and there was never a dull moment! When presenting we try to show the competitors as elite athletes first, who just happen to come with a backstory. Through our questions and descriptions and use of inclusive language, we try to reframe perceptions of disability, all key to capturing the true spirit of the Games.
Q What did a typical day look like for you at this year’s Games?
A The days started strangely – not because breakfast was at 6am looking out across the jagged Dolomite mountains as the sun rose over stunning peaks, but more being sat in front of a mirror having makeup done at 6.35am. We kicked off rehearsals and sound checks at 8am, then we were live on C4 from 9am through to roughly 2pm. It’s a long stint and mentally intense, but we were well supported with a bowl of pasta and regular coffees.
Q Inspiration must come at you from all angles when you’re involved in events like these?
A Absolutely. These are my type of people, many of whom have been on unbelievable journeys, developed amazing life skills and are now living their dreams, not only to represent their country, but to achieve personal goals! As media, our most important role is ‘visibility’ and how athletes are seen on screen. That’s come a long way from my first Games working with the media in Sochi 2014 and long may it continue, increasing positive perceptions of disability and reducing unconscious bias.
Q What moments have stayed with you?
A GB Snowboarder Davy Zyw battling Motor Neurone Disease (MND). The first with his condition to compete at a Winter Games. He did himself and the MND community proud, raising awareness and hope to everyone he encountered. It was also emotional seeing two of GB’s finest take their last bow: James Barnes-Miller and Scott Meenagh. Both have left a huge legacy within Paralympics GB sport.
Q What does continuing to be involved in Paralympic sport mean to you?
A Ski racing was my passion for nearly a decade. Travelling the world and meeting some incredible people taught me valuable life lessons and shaped who I am today. To still enjoy the games first hand – as a spectator watching old mates still competing, catching up with coaching staff and sharing my knowledge of the sport I love through media work – is a dream role!
Q What more can be done to elevate the platform of Paralympic sport?
A One of the biggest challenges is the drop in visibility between Games cycles. For many athletes, that’s a four-year gap where profiles fade. We need more consistent exposure – like integrating Para events into mainstream competitions, as seen at the Commonwealth Games. A ‘Diamond League’-style series across multiple sports could also help, showcasing elite performance year-round. Ultimately, the goal is to move towards a world where inclusion and opportunity aren’t the exception – they’re the expectation.
Q Finally, you were skiing when you sustained your T8 incomplete SCI. You’ve spoken about the hesitancy you felt when returning to the snow. That you not only began skiing again but became a Paralympian, World Cup Gold medallist, World Champion, adventurer and pilot, is testament to your grit and determination. What drives you and how do you cope with ‘off’ days?
A I soon realised in the early days of SCI, I couldn’t turn back time. Having a bucket list and setting goals gave me a reason and purpose to thrive. Add enough of those days together and we can all achieve extraordinary things! But ‘off’ days happen and allowing yourself time out, then looking on the bright side and sending yourself some positive reinforcement helps! There’s always something else to tick off that list. Was it easy, or handed on a plate? No. Just go for it, that’s all I did! Celebrate the small victories, use them as stepping stones, to move forward and reach bigger and better goals – then re-evaluate and dream bigger.
This article was featured in the Autumn 2026 issue of FORWARD, the only magazine dedicated to the spinal cord injury community.
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