United States Paralympic snowboarder Brenna Huckaby is preparing for her third Paralympic Games.

Huckaby, 29, has had incredible success as she is a four-time Paralympic medalist, winning three gold medals and one bronze. She won two gold medals in her Paralympic debut in Pyeongchang in 2018 in banked slalom and snowboard cross.

In Beijing in 2022, she won gold in the banked slalom again, while earning bronze in the snowboard cross.

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However, Huckaby’s journey to success on the slopes has been one of triumph in the face of a lot of adversity.

At age 14, Huckaby was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer, and she had to have her right leg amputated. Her athletic career began as a competitive gymnast, but the Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native turned to snowboarding after the amputation.

As Huckaby prepares to compete again in Italy, she said one of her favorite memories along the journey was crossing the finish line in 2018 and seeing her family.

“One of the biggest (memories) right now though is the 2018 Games — first gold and crossing the finish line and getting to hug my family. I am really looking forward to having a similar experience at (these) games knowing that my family will be there,” Huckaby told Fox News Digital in a recent interview with Hershey’s, celebrating happiness as the real gold.

“Like, to me, I feel like we’ve already won just knowing that I get to share this experience with them. We weren’t able to do that in China. So I’m very excited to be able to do that here.”

In addition to being a four-time Paralympic medalist and five-time world champion gold medalist, Huckaby is also a mother of two. She gave birth to her daughter Lilah in 2016 and gave birth to her second daughter Sloan in 2020.

Huckaby said balancing being a mom while also snowboarding at an elite level and the training that entails can be challenging and takes a lot of self-compassion.

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Team USA Paralympic snowboarding hopeful Brenna Huckaby during the 2018 U.S. Olympic Summit at the Grand Summit Hotel in Park City, Utah, on Sep. 27, 2017. (Jeff Swinger/USA TODAY Sports)

“Balance is always so hard, I feel like. I don’t know if that’s even the right word for it because it’s definitely uneven a lot of the time. But I think it’s having, you know, a lot of compassion for yourself because you’re not always going to get it right, but also, you know, recognizing, hey, I’m not always going to get this right. So, how can I take a step back, pause, see, where I’m needed right now, and then make those harder decisions of right now my focus is with my family, which means I can’t put in that little extra time that maybe some of my competitors can,” Huckaby said.

“And also when it’s crunch time, knowing, okay, hey family, I love you so much, but right now I got to go focus on my sport. I think it’s the hardest part is having to be your own boss to tell you what to do. I think it could be a lot easier to have somebody waving a finger and you’re like, ‘Oh, sorry. I got to go, big boss is telling me.’ But having to be the, you know, the ‘bad guy’ in those situations of having to leave your family can be tough. So having a lot of self-compassion for yourself and knowing like you know you’re doing the best you can um and that’s the best you can do.”

Huckaby said now that her kids are old enough to retain memories, with Lilah being 9 years old and Sloan being 5 years old, she hopes that they remember her journey, that they are worth putting the work in for when they bet on themselves.

“I think right now if my kids are nine and five, so they’re older enough to kind of retain and see what I’m doing and and make some choices for themselves. I hope they see that like it’s not always easy, but when we make the the choice to bet on ourselves, we’re worth putting the work in for,” Huckaby said.

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Brenna Huckaby poses for a photo during the U.S. Olympic Team Media Summit in preparation for the 2026 Milan Olympic Winter Games at the Javits Center in New York City, New York, on Oct. 28, 2025. (Robert Deutsch/Imagn Images)

“We’re worth taking that time. And it’s not always motivating, and it’s going to feel grindy, but in those moments, that’s where you grow as a person and saying yes to yourself and betting on yourself. And I also they know that like sometimes I’m scared to drop into a course, and sometimes I’m scared to be next to the other riders, but that true bravery is doing things even though you’re scared. And so I hope that they see that and gain are able to apply that and gain their own self-confidence.”

Huckaby has said a “core focus” of hers has been to enjoy the process, because that is the only part of the journey that is guaranteed.

“I would say, over the last eight years of, you know, finding a way to enjoy the process because that’s the only part that’s guaranteed. We don’t know if we’re going to win gold. We don’t know if we’ll, you know, we don’t even know if we’ll make it to the game sometimes. And so, how can I make this process and this journey worth it?” Huckaby said.

“For me, it’s taking a moment, a pause, even if it’s just for 30 seconds, to appreciate how far I’ve come, and where I’m at. And a lot of the times I do that on the mountains, and I look out and I see the other peaks and the trees, and I’m able to remind myself like, yeah, things are good. So, it’s just taking a tiny little pause and that’s where happiness is found.”

While being a mother who is training to be a world-class snowboarder, Huckaby also was on the front lines orchestrating an inclusivity campaign.

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Olympic athlete Brenna Huckaby, a para snowboarding athlete, speaks with media during the U.S. Olympic Team Media Summit in preparation for the 2026 Milan Olympic Winter Games at the Javits Center in New York City, New York, on Oct. 28, 2025. (Vincent Carchietta/Imagn Images)

The Paralympic qualification guide excluded the lower limb LL1 category, and Huckaby took legal action to fight for her right to compete in medal events that are limited to less-impaired athletes.

Huckaby said that fighting for her right to compete was a hard time, but also a reminder that her journey is bigger than herself.

“That was a that was a hard time, it was really hard to find moments of happiness,” Huckaby said with a smile. “But I think one of the things that I that really came out of that for me is I’ve always said it’s way easier to fight for other people than it is myself. And that was one thing that was really hard because I felt like I was advocating for myself. But truly, what came out of that was a reminder that this has always been bigger than myself.”

“It’s about those kids and even adults that are going through limb loss and life-changing experiences. Like, they deserve to see themselves represented in every single scenario. And for me, seeing above the knee amputee women in snowboarding, that was life-changing for me. And so, how can we make sure that that continues so that we have future generations of people believing in themselves.”

Huckaby was the first Paralympian to ever be on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, which was another moment she said was bigger than herself.

“I would say similar (to fighting for her classification) for sure, I know this is bigger than me. And for me it I felt like I was doing it for the 14-year-old version of me who had no hair, had just lost her leg, and questioning whether or not I would ever be seen as beautiful, as lovable, as, worthy and yeah, it was scary. But I’m so glad that I did it,” Huckaby said.

Huckaby said that representing the United States is a big role to fill and will do everything in her power to represent well.

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Four-time Paralympic medalist eats a Hershey’s chocolate bar. (Hershey’s)

The 29-year-old said that Hershey’s happiness as the real gold campaign stood out to her because the moments of happiness throughout the process are what matter most.

“When I had learned about the happiness is the real gold campaign, I just was immediately sold because That is something that I’ve been trying to really implement into my journey of like how can I make sure that you know at the end of the day win or lose everything has been worth it and for me it’s been you know finding those moments of happiness and joy and also knowing that that’s the true process that’s the life that’s lived throughout the journey and that’s what’s most important,” Huckaby said.

Families play an essential role in every athlete’s journey, and in each moment throughout the process finding happiness in the grind is what endures.

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Manchester United‘s midfield reinforcement search continues as they turn to AC Milan’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek or Barcelona midfielder Marc Casadó, while Barcelona, Real Madrid and Arsenal are among the sides keen on NK Kustosija forward Rafael Belinho. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

Transfers home page | Men’s winter grades | Women’s grades

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TRENDING RUMORS

– Manchester United‘s midfield reinforcement search continues as TalkSPORT says that they have been offered the chance to sign AC Milan‘s Ruben Loftus-Cheek. It is reported that United are weighing up a potential loan move for the 29-year-old this month to improve their chances of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League, with talks at an “exploratory” stage, though The Telegraph says that Aston Villa are also keen. Loftus-Cheek, who has made 19 Serie A appearances this season, is reportedly keen on a return to England. Elsewhere, Ajax have emerged as potential suitors for Manuel Ugarte, 24, but the Eredivisie side have seen their opening loan offer dismissed according to The Athletic.

– An inquiry has also been made by United regarding Barcelona midfielder Marc Casadó, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Premier League club are believed to hold interest in the 22-year-old alongside Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have also placed him on their shortlist. The Red Devils have been linked with several midfielders of late, and The Sun reports that Sunderland‘s Noah Sadiki, 21, has caught their attention

– Multiple top sides in Europe are tracking NK Kustosija forward Rafael Belinho, according to The Mirror. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Manchester United are all reported to be interested in the 17-year-old, who is hopeful of securing a move to a big club when he turns 18. Barcelona sporting director Deco is reportedly a huge admirer of the teenager, while Borussia Dortmund are also keen. Belinho recently left Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb to join Kustosija after being unable to agree to a new contract.

– Liverpool are among multiple top-six Premier League sides keeping tabs on the situation of Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. TEAMtalk reports that Palace are open to parting ways with the 21-year-old at the end of the season, and they are expected to demand an initial fee of at least £65 million before add-ons. Wharton, who is also on the radar of Real Madrid, Man United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle, has been a key player at Selhurst Park since arriving from Blackburn Rovers in February 2024.

– Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign Al Ahly forward Hamza Abdelkarim, per Sport. It is reported that the LaLiga side are now reviewing the final documents before finalizing the move, with the 18-year-old Egypt youth international set to be added to the Barcelona B squad. Abdelkarim has been a standout player for Egypt U17s, having scored 12 goals and provided six assists in 19 matches across all competitions.

– Internazionale are interested in Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, reports Sky Sports. The Nerazzurri are reportedly exploring a summer move for the 33-year-old, having identified him as a potential replacement for current starter Yann Sommer if he would be prepared to accept a salary reduction. Martinez, whose contract at Villa Park isn’t set to expire until 2029, has made 18 Premier League appearances this season, while he also remains the No. 1 choice for Argentina.

DONE DEALS

To follow…

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OTHER RUMORS

– Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is “one step away” from sealing an agreement to extend his contract at the Allianz Arena until the summer of 2029. (Nicolo Schira)

– Borussia Dortmund are optimistic of reaching an agreement over a new contract with defender Nico Schlotterbeck. (Bild)

– Fulham are interested in a move for AZ Alkmaar and Republic of Ireland international striker Troy Parrott. (Independent)

– Paris Saint-Germain winger Lee Kang-in has no interest in leaving the club this month, having recently been linked with Atletico Madrid. (Le Parisien)

– Juventus are lining up an approach for Fenerbahce striker Youssef En-Nesyri. (Tuttosport)

– Marseille have agreed a deal in the region of €4.5 million to sign Feyenoord midfielder Quinten Timber. (Fabrizio Romano)

– Officials from Aston Villa have been sent to Turkey amid hopes of sealing a deal for Besiktas striker Tammy Abraham. (Daily Mail)

– Everton and Crystal Palace are among the Premier League teams interested in Fulham attacking midfielder Harry Wilson. (TalkSPORT)

– Negotiations have progressed between Valencia and West Ham regarding a deal for midfielder Guido Rodriguez, with an agreement close to being finalized. (Marca)

– A move for Marseille striker Neal Maupay is being considered by Sevilla. (Foot Mercato)

– Manchester United have added Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac to their shortlist of potential future managers. (Sky Germany)

– Crystal Palace have placed Coventry City manager Frank Lampard on their shortlist of potential future successors to Oliver Glasner. (TalkSPORT)

• PCB intervention believed to have little bearing on ICC’s position. 
• ICC remains firm on maintaining existing tournament schedule.
• No public statement from PCB on the matter made so far.
  

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) expressing support for Bangladesh’s concern regarding travelling to India for the T20 World Cup 2026, just ahead of the governing body’s meeting on the matter, ESPNcricinfo reported.

In its correspondence, the PCB backed the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) reluctance to play matches in India amid regional political instability. Sources said that the letter was also circulated among ICC Board members.

The ICC is reportedly set to make a final decision on Bangladesh’s involvement in the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup in its board meeting today (Wednesday).

The ICC will deliberate on Bangladesh’s request to relocate its World Cup fixtures to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns in India. However, it remains unclear whether the PCB’s correspondence prompted the ICC to convene the meeting.

While the timing of the PCB’s intervention has drawn attention, it is believed to have little bearing on the ICC’s current position. The governing body has so far stood firm on maintaining the existing tournament schedule, not allowing Bangladesh to play its matches in Sri Lanka, one of the event’s co-hosts alongside India, as requested.

The ICC reiterated this stance to the BCB during discussions held last week.

Backed by the Bangladeshi government, the BCB has maintained its refusal to travel to India for the group-stage fixtures. Despite multiple rounds of talks between the ICC and the BCB, including a recent meeting in Dhaka over the weekend, neither side has shifted its position. 

The ICC continues to insist that the matches proceed as scheduled, while the BCB remains unwilling to send its team to India.

The PCB’s entry into the issue follows days of speculation about its potential role in resolving the deadlock. Unconfirmed reports suggested that Pakistan had offered to host Bangladesh’s matches and that the PCB was even reconsidering Pakistan’s own participation in the World Cup, depending on the outcome of Bangladesh’s case.

The PCB has so far made no public statement on the matter.

With the T20 World Cup scheduled to begin on February 7, Bangladesh are currently slated to play their opening match against West Indies in Kolkata, followed by two more group games at the same venue, before concluding their group-stage fixtures in Mumbai.

The dispute traces back to the removal of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2026 squad on instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), without any official explanation.

This development was followed by the Bangladesh government banning the broadcast of the IPL in the country, after which the BCB formally informed the ICC of its refusal to play T20 World Cup matches in India — a position it has maintained since.

Earlier reports suggest that Pakistan was expected to reassess its participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India-Sri Lanka, following increasing concerns related to the Bangladesh cricket team.

The Bangladesh government had reached out to Pakistan for support over its decision to skip travelling to India for the tournament, citing security concerns, sources told Geo News.

They added that Pakistan supports Bangladesh’s legitimate concerns, emphasising that they should be addressed and acted upon.

Pakistan has also stressed that no country should face pressure or threats from India, assuring Bangladesh of its full support on the matter.