PHOTO: Canadian Paralympic Committee (CNW Group/Canadian Paralympic Committee (Sponsorships))
After nine days of inspiring competition, Canada left the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games with an impressive 15-medal haul: three gold, four silver, and eight bronze.
Carrying the flag at the Closing Ceremony, Natalie Wilkie and Mark Ideson represented the resilience and achievement of Team Canada.
A Strong Finish at the Winter Paralympic Games
Canada’s performance placed the team sixth overall in total medals and eighth in gold medals, but across snow and ice, Canadian athletes delivered standout moments. In Para alpine skiing, Kalle Eriksson and guide Sierra Smith secured bronze in the men’s visually impaired slalom, capping off a remarkable debut Games with three medals. Meanwhile, Canada’s Para ice hockey team battled its way to a third consecutive silver medal, with Liam Hickey scoring both goals in a hard-fought final against the United States.
Throughout the Games, Canada demonstrated strength across every sport. Medals were earned in all six disciplines, including Para Nordic skiing, Para Alpine skiing, Para snowboarding, wheelchair curling, and Para ice hockey.
Para nordic skier Natalie Wilkie delivered a dominant performance with four medals (two gold, one silver, and one bronze), bringing her career Paralympic total to 11. She was joined by fellow multi-medallists Kalle Eriksson and Sierra Smith, as well as veteran Mark Arendz, who added two medals to his already remarkable career tally of 14.
“Congratulations to all the athletes, coaches, and support staff who have worked so hard over the past many years and this week for their successes at the Games,” said Catherine Gosselin-Despres, Chief Sport Officer, Canadian Paralympic Committee. “We have had many moments to celebrate here in Italy from both experienced and first-time Paralympians, with exciting performances as well from up-and-coming athletes.”
Rising Stars and Lasting Legacies
Milano Cortina 2026 was full of breakthrough moments for the next generation of athletes. Nine Canadians captured their first Paralympic medals, with eight of them competing in their debut Games. At the same time, 18 medallists from the Beijing Games continued their success on the world stage, showcasing the team’s evolution of skill.
Canada’s wheelchair curling team made history by winning gold for the first time since 2014, and doing so with a perfect, undefeated record. Veteran Ina Forrest, at 63 years and 10 months old, became Canada’s oldest medallist, cementing her status as one of the most decorated wheelchair curlers in the world.
At the other end of the spectrum, 20-year-old Mathieu Lelievre represented the future of Canadian Para sport as the youngest medallist on the team, contributing to the team’s Para ice hockey silver-medal performance.
“I am so proud of every athlete on the Milano Cortina 2026 Canadian Paralympic Team for their performances,” said Mac Marcoux, honorary captain, Milano Cortina 2026 Canadian Paralympic Team. “We’ve had every emotion here from athletes achieving historic and career-best results, athletes with new personal bests, and athletes who have felt disappointment. No matter what, every member of this team put forth their best efforts, and it has been incredible to watch them all put it out there on the snow and ice the past nine days. Congratulations to the entire team, and I can’t wait to keep supporting and cheering on this group as they continue competing on the world stage.”
Support from Canadians across the country was felt throughout the competition, both online and through contributions to the Paralympic Foundation of Canada’s #FillTheStands campaign, which has raised more than $326,000 to support the next generation of athletes.
“It has been a special Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, bringing together the world in celebration of Para sport,” said Karen O’Neill, CEO, Canadian Paralympic Committee. “The Games are an incredible example how sport can unite, break down barriers, and foster greater inclusion and accessibility, and we have seen that here this week. We thank all Canadians for their immense support. From watching on CBC/Radio-Canada, following along on social media, and donating through Fill The Stands, we could feel the support, and this is all so important as we seek to provide more people across Canada with the opportunity to experience the power of Para sport.”
SOURCE: Canadian Paralympic Committee (Sponsorships)
