With less than 110 days remaining until the Paralympics in Milan-Cortina, Collinda Joseph, a wheelchair curler, is feeling more self-assured and liberated as she hurls rocks using a stick instead of sliding them across the ice. In the past, she served as an alternate at the Beijing Games, contributing to Canada’s mixed team’s back-to-back bronze medals by providing insights on rock behavior on the ice and uplifting her teammates during challenging moments.
Joseph, a former provincial champion in 2009 and an Ontario titleholder in 2016, made her debut for Canada in 2019, marking the first of her four appearances at world championships. Reflecting on her experience as an alternate in China, Joseph expressed the difficulties of not being a regular part of the competitive team setup.
Now, she has secured a spot as a starter in the upcoming Paralympics, playing as Canada’s lead alongside skip Mark Ideson, second Ina Forrest, third Jon Thurston, and alternate Gilbert Dash, who is making his Paralympic debut. Joseph acknowledged the comfort of knowing she will have the chance to rectify any mistakes during the games.
Canada’s head coach, Mick Lizmore, highlighted the significance of the upcoming Games for Joseph and Thurston, who will have the support of their families and friends due to the absence of spectators caused by the ongoing pandemic. In the recent bronze-medal match, Thurston’s strategic shot secured a crucial victory for Canada over Slovakia.
Ideson, a veteran curler from British Columbia, praised Forrest as a key leader in the team, emphasizing her professionalism and positive influence on her teammates. Forrest, a five-time Paralympian with gold and bronze medals under her belt, is known for her exemplary leadership and ability to keep the team motivated.
Looking ahead to the Milan-Cortina Paralympics, the Canadian team is preparing diligently, aiming to enhance their performance through teamwork and effective communication. The team, comprising a blend of experienced players and a strong team spirit, is committed to achieving excellence in the upcoming tournament, where they aim to continue Canada’s successful streak in wheelchair curling. The tournament kicks off on March 7 with Canada facing Italy in their opening match.