Brenna Huckaby's Essential Gear for Success at the 2026 Paralympics

The Grind

Brenna Huckaby has transformed the world of para snowboarding since her debut eight years ago. With four medals from the Paralympic Games and a slew of World Championship titles to her name, she embodies resilience. Yet, she remains remarkably grounded. “Win or lose, I'm still the same Brenna,” she asserts, emphasizing that her life is defined by love and support rather than accolades.

“I'm loved. I have an incredible family. [Snowboarding] is important, but it's not everything to me.”

Keeping It Light

During her rigorous training for the Milano Cortina 2026 games, Huckaby keeps her pre-competition rituals light-hearted. A humorous quirk is her superstition about socks: if she has a good day in training, she wears the same socks during training, qualification, and racing. If she keeps winning, she might find herself competing in dirty socks. “So, sometimes I wear dirty socks to compete,” she jokes.

Must-Have Essentials

But Huckaby's preparation goes beyond quirky superstitions. Here are her essential items she swears by:

• Skin Savior: La Roche-Posay's Lipikar Balm AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream is Huckaby's go-to for soothing windburn and dry skin. As she puts it, “It is the best after a long day of snow.”
• Beauty Sleep: A silk eye mask from Saatva ensures she gets restful sleep, a luxury she can't live without while traveling. “I don't bother with an eye mask at home, but it's a must when I'm away.”
• Comfort Food: No athlete's routine is complete without sustenance that fuels the mind and body. Brenna emphasizes her love for Almond Joys. “I have a freezer full of Almond Joys. I'm a sweet-treat girlie—I have to have a little something sweet every night,” she shares.
• Journaling: “Journaling is something I cannot live without,” Huckaby states. It's not only about recording her experiences; it's a ritual that nurtures her mental health.

The Right Mindset

As Huckaby prepares for the 2026 Paralympics, it's clear that her physical gear is just as critical as her mental and emotional gear. Her unique combination of superstitions, practicality, and self-compassion allows her to thrive under pressure—a mindset that many can learn from.

What's Next?

As we look ahead to the upcoming games, I find myself inspired not just by the athletes but also by their stories of resilience and tenacity. Brenna Huckaby embodies this spirit, reminding us all that success is built upon a foundation of love, support, and a little bit of humor.