Andrew Kurka
Sport: Para Alpine Skiing (Downhill, Super-G, Giant Slalom)
Born: January 27, 1992
Birthplace: Anchorage, Alaska
Hometown: Palmer, Alaska
Paralympic Status: Multiple-time Paralympian and medalist representing Team USA
Why Andrew Kurka Matters in Alaska
Andrew Kurka is one of Alaska’s most accomplished Paralympic athletes. Born in Anchorage and raised in rural Alaska, he became a world-class sit-ski racer and Paralympic champion. Kurka represents both the strength of Alaska’s outdoor culture and the growing impact of adaptive sports programs in the state.
Alaska Roots
- Born in Anchorage, Alaska in 1992.
- Raised on a farm in Nikolaevsk, a Russian-speaking village on the Kenai Peninsula.
- Graduated from Colony High School in Palmer.
Before becoming a skier, Kurka was a talented wrestler and won six Alaska state championships in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. His athletic path changed dramatically after an ATV accident at age 13 caused a spinal cord injury. He later discovered sit-ski racing through the adaptive sports program Challenge Alaska. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Rise to Paralympic Champion
Kurka quickly rose through international competition after joining the U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team in 2010. Known for his fearless downhill racing style, he has competed in multiple Paralympic Games and World Championships.
- Paralympic Gold Medal – Downhill (PyeongChang 2018)
- Paralympic Silver Medal – Super-G (PyeongChang 2018)
- World Champion – Downhill (2017)
- Multiple World Championship medals in downhill and giant slalom
He has represented the United States at several Winter Paralympic Games and continues to compete at the highest level of para-alpine skiing. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics
Andrew Kurka is expected to compete for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milano Cortina. Alpine skiing events will take place in Cortina d’Ampezzo, where Kurka has previously raced on the World Cup circuit.
Heading into the Games, he remains a medal contender in downhill and other speed events in the sitting classification. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Beyond the Slopes
Outside competition, Kurka remains deeply connected to Alaska. He has worked as a country music DJ, runs a bed-and-breakfast focused on accessible outdoor tourism, and mentors students through adaptive sports and educational programs. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}