Less than 110 days remain until the commencement of the Paralympics in Milan-Cortina, where wheelchair curler Collinda Joseph is feeling more self-assured and liberated in delivering rocks using a stick, rather than sliding on the ice. At the Beijing Games four years ago, Joseph, then 56, served as an alternate and contributed to Canada’s mixed team securing a bronze medal by providing feedback on rock behavior and boosting morale during challenges.
In 2009, Joseph clinched her first provincial championship and grabbed her initial Ontario title as a skip in 2016. Her debut for Canada was in 2019, marking the first of four appearances at world championships. Reflecting on her experience as an alternate in China, Joseph expressed the difficulty of not being an active team member despite her competitive nature.
Joseph is now set to start as Canada’s lead at the upcoming Paralympics, alongside skip Mark Ideson, second Ina Forrest, third Jon Thurston, and alternate Gilbert Dash. This new role as a starter brings Joseph a sense of comfort, allowing room for mistakes and missed shots with the opportunity for redemption.
Head coach Mick Lizmore noted that for Joseph and Thurston, this Paralympics will be reminiscent of a first-time experience due to the presence of family and friends, given the restrictions during the 2022 Games. In the 2022 bronze-medal match, Thurston’s skillful takeout shot secured a victory over Slovakia, showcasing his proficiency on the world-class stage.
In Milan-Cortina, Forrest, a veteran at age 63, will compete in her fifth Paralympics, aiming to add to her previous gold and bronze medals. Ideson praised Forrest’s leadership and professional approach, emphasizing her positive influence on the team dynamics. Forrest’s return for another Games stems from a desire for a more fulfilling experience than her last in Beijing.
Dash, from Kipling, Sask., has been a valuable asset to the Canadian squad, contributing to medal wins in various competitions. The team’s blend of seasoned talent and camaraderie bodes well for their performance, with a collective dedication to continuous improvement. The Canadian wheelchair curling team, known for its consistent podium finishes since 2006, will kick off their Milan-Cortina campaign on March 7 against Italy.
