With less than 110 days remaining until the commencement of the Paralympics in Milan-Cortina, Collinda Joseph, a wheelchair curler, is feeling more self-assured and liberated when delivering rocks using a stick, as opposed to sliding along the ice.
During the Beijing Games four years ago, Joseph had a more limited role as an alternate. Despite only playing in one game, her contributions, such as providing feedback on ice conditions and uplifting her team’s spirits during challenges, helped Canada’s mixed team secure a second consecutive 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, especially for someone with a competitive nature. She emphasized the challenge of feeling like a valuable part of the team and contributing to a winning atmosphere while being an alternate.
For the upcoming Paralympics in Italy from March 6 to 15, 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 victories.
Acknowledging her new role as a starter, Joseph mentioned feeling more at ease with the possibility of making mistakes and missing shots, knowing she has the chance to redeem herself. This contrasts with her previous experience as an alternate, where uncertainty about playing time could affect confidence.
Head coach Mick Lizmore highlighted that for Joseph and Thurston, who is also attending his second Paralympics, these Games will feel like a fresh experience due to the presence of family and friends, as the Covid pandemic prevented Canadian supporters from attending the 2022 Paralympics.
In the bronze-medal match of 2022, Thurston executed a decisive takeout shot, scoring four points in an 8-3 victory over Slovakia. Lizmore commended Thurston’s performance, noting his progression to a high level of play over the past four years.
Forrest, aged 63, is set to compete in her fifth Paralympics. Having previously achieved gold in 2010 and 2014 and added a bronze in 2018, Ideson described her as the team’s leader who elevates the game of her teammates. Forrest is also a co-captain of Canada’s 2026 Paralympic squad.
Expressing her motivation for returning to the Games, Forrest mentioned that the Beijing experience did not feel like a fitting conclusion to her Paralympic journey due to the absence of family and an underwhelming overall experience.
Dash, from Kipling, Sask., contributed to Canada’s silver medal in the 2023 worlds and has since secured bronze and silver medals. He transitioned from playing second in previous tournaments to being the skip this year.
The Canadian squad, which has played 15 international matches together, is expected to participate in more games before heading to Milan-Cortina, including a tournament in Prague. The team’s emphasis on communication and unity, combined with a blend of experienced talent and camaraderie, positions them well for the upcoming competition.
Canada, a consistent medallist in wheelchair curling at Paralympics since 2006, is scheduled to kick off their Milan-Cortina campaign on March 7 against Italy.