Less than 110 days remain until the Paralympic Games kick off in Milan-Cortina. Wheelchair curler Collinda Joseph is feeling more self-assured and liberated as she prepares to deliver rocks using a stick on the ice. At the Beijing Games four years ago, Joseph served as an alternate, playing a crucial role by providing feedback on the rocks’ behavior and lifting her team’s spirits during challenging moments, ultimately helping Canada secure a bronze medal.
Having clinched her first provincial championship in 2009 and her initial Ontario title as a skip in 2016, Joseph made her debut for Canada in 2019, marking the start of her four appearances at world championships. Reflecting on her experience as an alternate in China, Joseph expressed the difficulties of being in that position, emphasizing the challenge of wanting to contribute actively to the team’s success.
This time around, Joseph will play as Canada’s lead alongside skip Mark Ideson, second Ina Forrest, third Jon Thurston, and alternate Gilbert Dash. Joseph expressed confidence in her role as the starting lead for the upcoming Games, highlighting the comfort in knowing she has the opportunity to rectify any mistakes.
Canada’s head coach, Mick Lizmore, noted that for Joseph and Thurston, who will be attending his second Paralympics, the upcoming Games will feel fresh due to the presence of family and friends after the absence caused by the Covid pandemic in 2022. In the bronze-medal match in 2022, Thurston’s decisive shot secured a victory over Slovakia.
As Italy marks her fourth Paralympics and third consecutive appearance as skip, Ideson commended Forrest as a pivotal leader within the team, emphasizing her professionalism, insightful contributions, and positive demeanor. Forrest, a veteran of five Paralympics, aims for a more fulfilling Games experience after the challenges faced in Beijing.
Dash, from Kipling, Sask., has been instrumental in Canada’s recent successes in wheelchair curling, transitioning from a silver medal in his 2023 worlds debut to bronze and silver finishes. The Canadian squad has been honing their skills through international matches and will continue their preparations before the Milan-Cortina tournament in March.
With a blend of seasoned talent and strong camaraderie, the Canadian team is focused on achieving peak performance and continuous improvement. Having medaled in wheelchair curling at every Paralympics since 2006, Canada is poised to begin their campaign in Milan-Cortina on March 7 against Italy.