With less than 110 days remaining until the Paralympics kick off in Milan-Cortina, wheelchair curler Collinda Joseph is feeling more confident and liberated as she hones her skills in the sport. Unlike traditional curling, where stones glide on the ice, in wheelchair curling, rocks are shot using a stick.
Joseph, who previously served as an alternate during the Beijing Games four years ago, is now set to take on a more prominent role as Canada’s lead in the upcoming Paralympics. Despite her limited playing time in Beijing, Joseph played a crucial role in helping Canada secure a bronze medal by providing valuable feedback on ice conditions and boosting team morale.
Having clinched her first provincial championship in 2009 and her first Ontario title as a skip in 2016, Joseph is no stranger to success in the sport. Representing Canada for the first time in 2019, Joseph has since participated in four world championships.
Reflecting on her experience as an alternate, Joseph expressed the challenges of not being a regular starter and the difficulty in maintaining confidence when unsure of playing status. However, this time around, she is named as a starter in the lead position, alongside skip Mark Ideson, second Ina Forrest, third Jon Thurston, and alternate Gilbert Dash.
Canada’s head coach, Mick Lizmore, highlighted the significance of these Games for Joseph and Thurston, emphasizing the supportive presence of family and friends after the absence of Canadian spectators at the 2022 Paralympics due to the pandemic.
In the 2022 Paralympics, Jon Thurston’s skillful last stone takeout secured a bronze medal for Canada, showcasing his prowess on the world stage. Ina Forrest, a veteran of the sport, will be making her fifth Paralympic appearance, having previously won gold and bronze medals.
As the team prepares for the upcoming Paralympics in Milan-Cortina, the Canadian squad, comprising a blend of experienced talent and a strong team dynamic, is focused on achieving peak performance and aiming for another successful campaign in wheelchair curling. The team, which has consistently medaled in wheelchair curling since 2006, will commence their journey at the Paralympics on March 7 against Italy.