Shaun Pianta

Shaun Pianta (born 24 February 1989) is a B2 classified visually impaired Para-alpine skier from Australia. His guide in 2018 is Jeremy O'Sullivan. He represented Australia at the 2018 Winter Paralympics.

Shaun Pianta
Personal information
Nationality Australia
Born (1989-02-24) 24 February 1989
Sport
CountryAustralia
SportPara-alpine skiing
Disability classB2
Event(s)Giant Slalom
Slalom

Personal

Pianta was born in Collie, Western Australia on 24 February 1989.[1] In 2008, whilst holidaying in Bali, he contracted a superbug virus that attacked his optic nerve. He was flown back to Perth, Western Australia and while in hospital experienced kidney failure.[1] The virus left him with only 15 per cent of his vision.[1] He is a qualified boiler maker and welder and has a Certificate in Business.[1]

Skiing

Prior to his loss of vision, he was an avid snowboarder.[1] He took up Para-alpine skiing in 2012 after a Disabled Wintersport Australia expo in Melbourne.[1] In December 2014, he broke both legs in a training run and spent three months in a wheelchair.[2] At the 2017 World Para-alpine Skiing Europa Cup event in Veysonnaz, Switzerland, Pianta and his guide Jeremy O'Sullivan won silver medals in the men's vision impaired super-G and giant slalom.[3] He competed in the men's slalom and giant slalom at the 2017 IPC Alpine Skiing World Championships but failed to finish in both events.[3]

On 17 January 2018, he suffered a slight anterior cruciate ligament tear. Deciding against surgery, he undertook an intensive and highly structured rehabilitation process, including three weeks based at the Australian Institute of Sport.[4][5]

On 6 March 2018, Pianta and sighted guide Jeremy O'Sullivan were selected in the Australian team to compete at the 2018 Winter Paralympics but he will be required to pass a final fitness test on his injured right knee ahead of his Paralympic debut on March 14.[5] At the 2018 Winter Paralympics, Pianta competed in two events - 14th in the Men's Giant Slalom Visually Impaired and did not finish in the Men's Slalom Visually Impaired.[6]

References
  1. "Shaun Pianta". Australian Paralympic Committee website. Retrieved 6 March 2018.
  2. Tiernan, Eamonn (20 September 2017). "Shaun Pianta bounces back from freak accident and on track for Paralympic dream". Canberra Times. Retrieved 6 March 2018.
  3. "Shaun Pianta". International Paralympic Committee website. Retrieved 6 March 2018.
  4. Woodcock, Mitchell (2 February 2018). "SW hopeful chance for Games, defying the odds". South Western Times. Retrieved 6 March 2018.
  5. "Pianta joins Australian Paralympic Winter Team ready to make history". Australian Paralympic Committee website. Retrieved 6 March 2018.
  6. "Shaun Pianta". 2018 Winter Paralympics Official site. Archived from the original on 18 March 2018. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
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