Canada is making a strong push for gold as the Winter Paralympics near their conclusion. With thrilling performances in various events, the nation aims to add to its medal tally in the final weekend of competition.
Notable Achievements by Canadian Athletes
Natalie Wilkie, a talented skier from Salmon Arm, B.C., marked a significant achievement by winning her second gold medal. She triumphed in the women’s standing biathlon sprint pursuit with an impressive lead of over 17 seconds. This victory not only adds to her collection but also elevates her total to four medals at these Games, and 11 overall since her debut in 2018.
Despite close calls, other Canadian athletes showcased remarkable skill. Fourteen-time Paralympic medallist Mark Arendz finished fourth in the men’s standing biathlon sprint pursuit, just 4.5 seconds from the podium. Similarly, alpine skier Kalle Eriksson and his guide Sierra Smith were narrowly edged out, securing fourth place in the men’s vision-impaired giant slalom, missing a medal by a mere 0.12 seconds.
Team and Events Overview
On Day 7 of the Games, Canada is ranked 10th in the medal standings, boasting two gold medals, three silvers, and six bronzes. Key events are scheduled for the weekend:
- Wheelchair Curling: The Canadian team secured a spot in the final after an intense 8-7 win against South Korea. They will face China on Saturday.
- Para Ice Hockey: Canada defeated China 4-2 in the semifinals and will encounter the United States for gold on Sunday.
The wheelchair curling final is set for Saturday at 10:05 a.m. ET, while the Para hockey match will take place on Sunday at 11:05 a.m. ET.
Upcoming Medal Contenders
This weekend also features potential medalists in cross-country skiing. Natalie Wilkie will compete in the women’s standing 20km interval start on Sunday. She aims for her third individual gold after previously excelling in the mixed 4×2.5-kilometre relay on Saturday.
Other athletes to watch include Brittany Hudak, who recently earned bronze in the 10K, and Michaela Gosselin in alpine skiing, competing in the women’s slalom events. Both athletes have high hopes for medaling in their respective categories.
Closing Ceremony
The Winter Paralympics will officially conclude with a closing ceremony on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET, in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Where to Watch
Fans can enjoy the final events through daily broadcasts on the CBC network or stream the competitions live on the CBC Gem app.
