Shaun Pianta

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 whilst in hospital suffered 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]

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]

• Australian Paralympic Committee Profile
• International Paralympic Committee Profile