Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take?
Andrea Macrì on what it takes to compete while working for the organisers, a home Games and dreaming of a first medal
Published: 3 March 2026 at 01:10 Europe/London
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Episode notes
Today’s guest is helping shape what these Games leave behind — and he’s doing it from both sides of the arena.
Andrea Macrì is a four-time Paralympian, the assistant captain of Italy’s Para ice hockey team, and the Legacy Integration Manager for the Organising Committee for Milano Cortina 2026. His focus isn’t just his performance and a dream of a first medal — it’s what happens after the closing ceremony and the legacies on offer for disabled people across Italy from hosting the Games.
Andrea takes us back to the moment everything changed: a school accident at 17 that left him with a spinal cord injury and spending months in hospital. What pulled him forward was “sport rehabilitation” — which led to a career as a Paralympian.
In conversation with Matt Stutzman, Andrea explains what legacy really means: not just ramps and infrastructure, but changing attitudes — and building a country where people with disabilities can try sport without barriers. He also talks about the reality of Para ice hockey in Italy — a small player base, limited ice time, huge ambition — and why the home Games are a once-in-a-generation chance to grow the sport for good.
We catch up with Andrea as he prepares for Milano Cortina 2026, both on and off the rink.
Produced by the creators of the Emmy Award-winning Rising Phoenix, in official partnership with Milano Cortina 2026 and supported by Procter & Gamble, a worldwide Paralympic partner.
This is a Harder Than You Think production.
Host: Matt Stutzman
Producers: Calum Campbell and Vanessa Wheeler
Video Editor: Nic Woinilowicz
Audio Post Production: String and Tins
Sound Editor: Culum Simpson
Remote Recording Engineer: George Hinson
Audio Producer: Esi Jonuzi
Executive Producers: Greg Nugent and Barnaby Spurrier
The podcast’s soundtrack is titled “Rising Phoenix” - Written by Daniel Pemberton, Keith Jones, Toni Hickman and George Doman. Performed by Daniel Pemberton, Toni Hickman, georgetragic, and Keith Jones. Published by Alika’s Publishing, Doman Development, Moncur Street Music Limited, administered by peermusic (UK) Ltd.
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