Less than 110 days remain until the Paralympics kick off in Milan-Cortina, and wheelchair curler Collinda Joseph is feeling more self-assured and liberated as she hones her skills with stones delivered using a stick rather than sliding on the ice. Four years ago, she served as an alternate at the Beijing Games, taking part in a single game and contributing significantly to Canada’s mixed team by providing insights on the rocks’ behavior and uplifting her teammates during challenging times.
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 beginning of her impressive four-world championship appearances. Reflecting on her past experience as an alternate, Joseph expressed the difficulty of balancing competitiveness and contribution to the team.
This time around, Joseph secures a starting role as Canada’s lead, alongside skip Mark Ideson, second Ina Forrest, third Jon Thurston, and alternate Gilbert Dash. Recognizing her position as the lead for Milan-Cortina, Joseph finds solace in knowing she has room for error and a chance to rectify any missed shots.
As an alternate, Joseph emphasized the challenge of maintaining confidence when unsure about playing in the next game. Canada’s head coach Mick Lizmore highlighted that these Games will be a fresh experience for Joseph and Thurston, who will have the opportunity to share the moment with their families due to the absence of spectators caused by the Covid pandemic.
In the bronze-medal match of 2022, Thurston’s strategic move secured victory for Canada by scoring four crucial points against Slovakia. With Italy marking Ideson’s fourth Paralympics and third consecutive appearance as skip, the 50-year-old leader continues to inspire his teammates, particularly praising co-captain Ina Forrest’s professionalism and influence on the team’s dynamic.
Forrest, a veteran of five Paralympics, seeks a more fulfilling Games experience after the challenges faced in Beijing. Dash, an integral member of the team, has showcased his talent with significant contributions in recent tournaments.
The Canadian squad, a blend of seasoned players and a closely-knit group, is dedicated to achieving peak performance levels. With a track record of podium finishes in wheelchair curling since 2006, Canada is poised to commence its Milan-Cortina campaign on March 7 against Italy, aiming to uphold its legacy of success in the sport.
