Less than 110 days remain until the Paralympic Games kick off in Milan-Cortina. Wheelchair curler Collinda Joseph is feeling more confident and liberated as she prepares to compete. In the past, she served as an alternate at the Beijing Games, playing a limited role but contributing significantly to Canada’s mixed team’s bronze medal win by providing feedback on the ice conditions and boosting team morale.
Having clinched her first provincial championship in 2009 and her first Ontario title in 2016, Joseph’s journey to representing Canada started in 2019, marking the beginning of her four world championship appearances. Reflecting on her experience in China, Joseph emphasized the challenges of being an alternate, especially at a competitive level like the Paralympics.
This time around, Joseph will take on the role of Canada’s lead player, alongside skip Mark Ideson, second Ina Forrest, third Jon Thurston, and alternate Gilbert Dash. Expressing her satisfaction at being named the starting lead for the upcoming Games, Joseph feels more at ease with the prospect of making mistakes and having the opportunity to rectify them.
As an alternate, Joseph highlighted the struggle of maintaining confidence when uncertain about playing in the next game. Head coach Mick Lizmore noted that for Joseph and Thurston, who will be competing in their second Paralympics, the upcoming Games will feel like a new experience due to the presence of family and friends, a contrast to the restricted attendance caused by the Covid pandemic during the 2022 Paralympics.
Thurston’s pivotal performance in the 2022 bronze-medal match, where he scored four points with a decisive last stone takeout against Slovakia, showcased his skill and experience. Ideson, who will be participating in his fourth Paralympics as skip, commended Forrest for her leadership qualities and positive influence on the team.
Forrest, a veteran in the sport heading to her fifth Paralympics, has a remarkable track record of winning gold and bronze medals in previous Games. Dash, another valuable team member, has contributed significantly to Canada’s achievements in recent competitions.
The Canadian squad, a mix of experienced players and a closely-knit team, aims to continue their success in wheelchair curling at the upcoming Paralympics. With a strong focus on performance and continuous improvement, the team is gearing up for the tournament in Milan-Cortina, where they will face Italy in their opening match on March 7.