With less than 110 days left until the Paralympics kick off in Milan-Cortina, Collinda Joseph, a wheelchair curler, is feeling more confident and liberated as she hones her skills in delivering rocks with a stick on the ice. In contrast to her limited role as an alternate at the Beijing Games four years ago, where she only played in one match, Joseph is now set to take on the lead position for Canada’s wheelchair curling squad at the upcoming Games in Italy.
Joseph, who claimed her first provincial championship in 2009 and her first Ontario title as a skip in 2016, will be a key player alongside skip Mark Ideson, second Ina Forrest, third Jon Thurston, and alternate Gilbert Dash. Unlike her previous experience as an alternate, Joseph is now designated as a starter, providing her with more confidence and room for improvement.
As she gears up for the Paralympics, Joseph expressed how challenging it was to be an alternate, especially for someone as competitive as herself. She emphasized the difficulty of contributing to the team’s success in that role. However, this time around, she is determined to make a significant impact in her lead position.
Head coach Mick Lizmore highlighted the significance of the upcoming Games for Joseph and Thurston, as they will have the opportunity to share the experience with their family and friends, unlike the previous Games impacted by the Covid pandemic. Forrest, a veteran in the sport, will be participating in her fifth Paralympics, aiming to add to her impressive medal collection.
The Canadian wheelchair curling team, comprising a mix of seasoned talent and a strong bond among teammates, is focused on achieving peak performance at the Milan-Cortina tournament. With a history of success in wheelchair curling at the Paralympics, Canada is poised to make a strong start against Italy on March 7.