Among spectators, eyes fixed on athletes hurtling down the formidable slopes of the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre, Chinese team doctor Wang Tianhong saw beyond the sheer thrill of the sport.

Knowing each athlete's injuries and vulnerabilities, he read every weight shift and subtle stance adjustment as real-time clues to how their bodies were holding up. The moment something seemed amiss, or a teammate collapsed on the snow, he and his colleague Xi Zhipeng would spring into action.

"We need to get to her side as quickly as possible," Wang said, hurrying through the crowded grandstand during a giant slalom event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics that closed on Sunday.

His focus was on a Chinese skier who had just completed her run. "We were concerned that a previous injury might have flared up midrace and hindered her performance," he explained. "She may require immediate medical attention."

As team doctors for China's para alpine skiers, Wang and Xi specialize in different medical disciplines but share a singular goal — ensuring the athletes can compete safely and at their absolute best.

Wang, a 20-year-old sports rehabilitation therapist, provides comprehensive care. His duties range from applying adhesive tape and securing bandages early in the morning to managing acute injuries during races and accompanying athletes through post-competition drug testing.

Xi, who has only weak light perception in his left eye, has been practicing medicinal tuina for over two decades. This traditional form of Chinese massage can relieve muscle soreness, joint pain, and other common sports-related conditions.

A typical day for them at the Paralympics begins around 7:30am, when they head up the mountain to prepare before the athletes even begin training or competing. Their work didn't end until they finished conducting rehabilitation therapies and distributing medication at the Paralympic Village, a process that usually wrapped up around 11:00pm.

"Alpine skiing demands a blend of speed, fearlessness, and tenacity,"Wang said. "It is essential that we are on standby near them, both on and off the snow, to respond to their needs and address any discomfort."

Liang Chen, chief medical officer of the Chinese delegation at the 2026 Paralympics and a sports medicine specialist, said that when caring for athletes with disabilities, it is important to be mindful of their specific impairments, protect the skin around residual limbs, and prevent secondary complications.

"The mental toughness of para athletes is truly extraordinary," Liang said. "While that willpower can be an edge in competition, it also means they will sometimes hesitate to share their pain or injuries. So as physicians, we must be highly meticulous and proactive in monitoring their physical condition."

Five days into the Paralympics, Xi's voice had already grown hoarse from constantly yelling and cheering on the team. "Alpine skiing is such a thrilling event. The moment a Chinese para alpine skier lines up at the start, we are already overcome with emotion," he said. "For us, the greatest victory we can wish for them is to be safe always."