Barriers and Supports Experienced by Female Elite Coaches in Winter Sports: On the Road to Milano Cortina 2026

Despite increasing attention to gender equity in sport, women remain significantly underrepresented in elite coaching roles, particularly in Olympic and Paralympic winter sports. This study investigated the barriers and supports experienced by female elite coaches as they prepare their athletes for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Addressing a gap in the literature, this research aimed to explore how gendered dynamics shape the professional experiences of these coaches in various countries and winter sport disciplines. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine female elite coaches from seven countries, representing eight different Winter Olympic and Paralympic disciplines. Transcriptions were analysed using abductive thematic analysis, which resulted in eleven themes grouped under Barriers and Supports. Barriers included six themes: Assumptions about coaching roles, Being talked down to and not taken seriously, Sexist comments and conforming to a masculine culture, Discrimination and unequal opportunities, Work-life balance, and Underrepresentation of women coaches. Supports included five themes: Love for the job, Social support, Organisational support, Role models and mentorship, and Background. Findings extend existing research on women in high-performance coaching by offering novel insights into the experiences of female coaches in Olympic and Paralympic winter sports. While many barriers reflect broader gender norms in sport, some appear to be more pronounced in the context of winter sport due to its historically male-dominated culture alongside the practical demands, such as extensive travel and seasonal limitations. Participants’ passion for coaching and support from their team and national organisation were key to sustaining their careers. These insights offer practical guidance for national and international sport organisations aiming to create more inclusive and sustainable environments for women in elite winter sport coaching.