Less than 110 days remain before the Paralympic Games in Milan-Cortina kick off, and Collinda Joseph, a wheelchair curler, is feeling more self-assured and liberated as she prepares to compete. Joseph, who uses a stick to deliver rocks on the ice, reflects on her past experience as an alternate at the Beijing Games four years ago. Back then, she played a limited role but contributed significantly to Canada’s mixed team, aiding them in securing a bronze medal by providing feedback on ice conditions and boosting team morale during challenging moments.
Having clinched her first provincial championship in 2009 and her inaugural Ontario title as a skip in 2016, Joseph made her debut for Canada in 2019, marking the beginning of her four appearances at world championships. This time around, Joseph has been named as the starting lead for Canada alongside skip Mark Ideson, second Ina Forrest, third Jon Thurston, and alternate Gilbert Dash, who is making his Paralympic debut after multiple national championship wins.
Reflecting on her previous role as an alternate, Joseph expressed the challenges of maintaining confidence and uncertainty about playing time. Head coach Mick Lizmore highlighted that this upcoming Paralympics will be a fresh experience for Joseph and Thurston, who will have the support of family and friends at the event, unlike the restrictions imposed by the Covid pandemic during the 2022 Paralympics.
In the bronze-medal match of 2022, Thurston’s skillful takeout shot secured a victory over Slovakia, showcasing his prowess on the world stage. With Italy marking Ideson’s fourth Paralympics and third consecutive appearance as skip, the seasoned Forrest, at 63 years old, will compete in her fifth Paralympic Games, having previously claimed gold and bronze medals.
Describing Forrest as a pivotal figure and co-captain of Canada’s 2026 Paralympic squad, Ideson emphasized her professionalism and leadership qualities that elevate the team’s performance. Forrest’s return for another Games stems from her desire for a more fulfilling experience compared to her previous outing in Beijing.
Dash, a valuable addition to the Canadian squad, contributed to their success with a silver medal in the 2023 worlds and subsequent bronze and silver medals. The team’s cohesion and dedication are evident through their extensive international matches and upcoming training in Prague to fine-tune their skills.
With a blend of seasoned talent and a strong team bond, the Canadian squad under Lizmore’s guidance is focused on achieving peak performance and continual improvement. Having consistently medaled in wheelchair curling since 2006, Canada enters the Milan-Cortina tournament with high expectations as they aim to kick off their campaign against Italy on March 7.