Danielle "Dani" Aravich (born May 8, 1996) is an American Paralympic athlete who competes in para biathlon, para cross-country skiing and formerly in para-athletics. She represented the United States at the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo, Japan, the 2022 Winter Paralympics in Beijing, China, and the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy.
Biography Aravich was born in the U.S. state of Idaho and grew up in Boise, Idaho. She was born without her left hand and forearm. During her youth she participated in several sports including soccer, softball, basketball and ice skating before focusing on running in cross-country and track events during high school.
She later attended Butler University, where she competed in cross-country and track and field before focusing on her studies. After graduation she returned to competitive running and eventually decided to pursue qualification for the Paralympic Games, leaving her full-time job to train as a para-athlete.
Aravich made her Paralympic debut in the women’s 400 metres T47 at the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo. Only six months later she competed at the 2022 Winter Paralympics in Beijing, where she participated in para cross-country skiing and para biathlon events.
Aravich began training in Nordic skiing after being invited to a development camp by a United States Paralympic Nordic ski coach in 2019. Her background in endurance running helped her transition into cross-country skiing and biathlon, where she quickly progressed to the international level.
In addition to competing internationally, Aravich has been active in sports governance and media work. In 2025 she became one of the athlete representatives on the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) Athletes' Commission and Council.
Ahead of the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Aravich said her goals extend beyond medals and include helping grow the visibility and popularity of the Paralympic Movement and para sports worldwide.
Results Paralympic Games Year Venue Sport Results 2020 Tokyo Athletics 5th (heat) – 400 m T47 2022 Beijing Cross-country skiing 7th Sprint standing9th Middle distance standing 2022 Beijing Biathlon 11th Middle distance standing13th Sprint standing
World Championships Year Venue Sport Results 2022 Lillehammer Cross-country skiing 4th Relay 2023 Östersund Cross-country skiing 1st Relay6th Sprint free 2025 Pokljuka Biathlon 6th Sprint pursuit7th Sprint7th Individual
References
External links Danielle Aravich at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics