Overview

Belgium sent a small delegation to the 2018 Winter Paralympics held in Pyeongchang, South Korea. The team consisted of three competitors who represented Belgium in alpine skiing disciplines. Their participation continued the country's tradition of sending focused, athlete-centred teams to winter para-sport events.

Team and personnel

The Belgian delegation included two competing skiers and one guide skier. The roster featured:

  • Eléonor Sana — a visually impaired para-alpine skier who competed with a guide.
  • Chloé Sana — served as Eléonor Sana’s guide skier, providing direction and coordination on course.
  • Jasper Balcaen — an alpine skier representing Belgium in standing or sitting alpine events.

Events and competition

Belgian athletes took part in para-alpine skiing programs, which typically include slalom, giant slalom, super-G, downhill and the super combined. Competitors in visually impaired categories race with trained guide skiers who communicate course layout, timing and tactical information to the athlete. Participation in multiple alpine disciplines is common as athletes aim to gain experience across event types.

Background and significance

Belgium’s presence at the Winter Paralympics has traditionally been modest in size but important for individual athletes and national visibility in para-sport. Small teams enable focused support for competitors who often train and compete internationally to reach Paralympic qualification standards. For many nations, including Belgium, each Winter Games is an opportunity to develop talent and promote adaptive winter sports at home.

Notable points

Guide skiers are essential partners in visually impaired alpine racing: they ski ahead or alongside and use voice, radio or signals to steer pace and line. Belgium’s 2018 delegation illustrates how nations without large winter-sport programs still contribute to the Paralympic movement through committed athletes and specialized support teams. For further context on the Games and athlete biographies, see national Paralympic resources and event reports.