At 62 years old, Collinda Joseph is set to compete in her fifth Winter Paralympic Games as a wheelchair curling skip at the Milano-Cortina Games in February 2026. The seasoned athlete aims to demonstrate that age does not limit athletic potential. Her story highlights resilience in adaptive sports.
Collinda Joseph, a 62-year-old wheelchair curling athlete, is preparing for the Milano-Cortina Games, scheduled for February 2026. This will mark her fifth appearance in the Winter Paralympic Games. Joseph's involvement in the sport began after a car accident altered her life path. Six years following the incident, she discovered wheelchair curling, which she credits with providing renewed purpose.
"Curling gave me a new purpose," Joseph stated in a recent interview. "It allows me to be part of a team, build friendships, and challenge myself in ways I never thought possible at my age."
Joseph maintains that age serves merely as a numerical marker. "Age is just a number," she insists. "What really matters is your passion and perseverance." Through her participation, she seeks to influence perceptions of older athletes and advocate for policy adjustments in sports that accommodate them.
Her training regimen includes physical conditioning and technical drills tailored to her disability. "Every day is an opportunity to grow, both as an athlete and as a person," she noted. Joseph also promotes mental health awareness, stressing the need for a robust mindset amid aging and challenges.
Beyond competition, Joseph mentors younger athletes, emphasizing teamwork and determination. "I want to show that anyone can achieve greatness at any stage of life," she said. Looking forward, she envisions sports environments where age poses no barrier. "I envision a future where age is no longer a question in sports," Joseph asserted.
The Milano-Cortina Games aim to showcase athletes with disabilities, fostering inclusivity and challenging stereotypes in adaptive sports. Joseph's journey underscores perseverance, extending lessons from the ice to broader life pursuits.
