Canada is set to showcase its elite Para Nordic ski talent at the Milan Cortina Paralympic Games, with a robust squad led by renowned athletes Mark Arendz and Natalie Wilkie. The nation’s 15-member team was officially announced on Friday in Calgary, eagerly anticipating competition at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium in Fiemme Valley, running from March 6 to 15, following the Olympic Games.
A Legacy of Excellence
Mark Arendz, hailing from Hartsville, P.E.I., is a formidable presence in Para Nordic skiing, boasting an impressive collection of 12 Paralympic medals, including two golds. This will mark his fifth appearance at the Winter Games, where he aims to further cement his legacy. Arendz expressed his focus on both performance and enjoyment, stating, “I want to be physically and mentally ready to perform and also ready to have the fun of the experience.”
Similarly, Natalie Wilkie from Salmon Arm, B.C., enters the Games as a triple Paralympic champion, carrying with her seven medals as she prepares for her third Paralympics. Wilkie has made significant strides in her biathlon skills since the Beijing Games, where she ranked first in the world in women’s standing biathlon this season. “The skiing has always been there with the cross-country, but the shooting, I found it to be quite difficult,” Wilkie reflected on her journey, adding, “Winning the overall globe this year was a pretty big achievement.”
Strong Leadership and Team Spirit
The Canadian team will be guided by seasoned coach Brian McKeever, a Paralympic icon in his own right with 20 medals earned across six Games. McKeever’s philosophy centres on personal growth and achievement, as he stated, “If they can cross that finish line and know that they’ve had their best race on that day, then I’ll be incredibly proud of that.”
Brittany Hudak of Prince Albert, Sask., joins the team as a co-captain, ready to lead in her fourth Paralympic appearance. Collin Cameron from Bracebridge, Ont., also returns for his fourth Games, having secured three bronze medals in Beijing. With the team’s deep-rooted camaraderie and shared aspirations, their collective spirit is palpable.
A Competitive Edge
Wilkie and Arendz are not the only athletes to watch. The team is bolstered by several accomplished skiers, including Emma Archibald of Fall River, N.S., and Christina Picton of Fonthill, Ont. The men’s team features Jesse Bachinsky of Kenora, Ont., and Leo Sammarelli from Vancouver, among others. Each athlete brings a unique story and determination to the competition, with many competing in multiple events.
Arendz and Wilkie are slated to participate in up to six races in Italy, showcasing their resilience and dedication to the sport. Arendz, who is missing his left arm below the elbow, has proven that challenges do not define one’s capabilities. “A race is kind of like you’re just gathering a hand of cards. It’s about your preparation, and that’s the quality of the cards,” he explained, encapsulating the mental fortitude required in elite sport.
Why it Matters
The participation of Canada’s Para Nordic ski team at the Milan Cortina Paralympic Games underscores the nation’s commitment to inclusivity in sports and the power of perseverance. Athletes like Arendz and Wilkie not only serve as inspirations for aspiring athletes but also challenge societal perceptions of disability. As they prepare to compete on the world stage, their journey highlights the importance of support, skill, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The Games promise to be a celebration of athletic prowess and human spirit, showcasing the extraordinary capabilities of these remarkable athletes.
