The Winter Paralympics are set to celebrate their 50th anniversary in Milan Cortina, Italy, with China expected to maintain its dominance as a Paralympic powerhouse. The Games will begin amid tensions over the Middle East conflict, which has caused travel difficulties for some nations due to disruption from flight disruptions. Ukraine and other nations are planning to boycott the opening ceremony due to the return of the Russian flag and anthem. Russian athletes will compete under their own flag at the Paralyzics for the first time in over a decade. The U.S. is sending a 72-member squad to Italy, compared to the 67-member roster it took to Beijing 2022. This year's delegation includes Oksana Masters and Meg Gustafson. The games will give China a chance to establish itself as the nation to beat in both the Summer and Winter Parasics.