Canada has named a 15-member Para nordic ski team, including guides, for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. The squad is led by veteran Mark Arendz, who is heading to his fifth Games with 12 Paralympic medals. The team features a mix of experienced medallists and debutants, building on Canada's strong history in the sport.
The Canadian Paralympic Committee and Nordiq Canada announced the team on Friday, comprising athletes competing in Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing. The group will travel to Italy for the Games, scheduled from March 6 to 15, 2026, with nordic skiing events at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium in Val di Fiemme from March 7 to 15.
Leading the team is Mark Arendz from Hartsville, P.E.I., one of Canada's most decorated Para athletes with 12 Paralympic podiums, including a record six medals at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games. "The past four years have been a journey toward this moment, and I’m incredibly proud to be named to my fifth Paralympic Winter Games team," Arendz said. He took a four-month break after surgery post-Beijing 2022 to prepare for another medal push.
Other key returnees include Brittany Hudak from Prince Albert, Sask., in her fourth Games with three medals and serving as a co-captain; Collin Cameron from Bracebridge, Ont., and Natalie Wilkie from Salmon Arm, B.C., each in their third Games with six and seven medals respectively; and Derek Zaplotinsky from Smoky Lake, Alta., also in his third. Lyne-Marie Bilodeau from Sherbrooke, Que., and Christina Picton from Fonthill, Ont., are set for their second appearances.
Eight athletes will make their Paralympic debuts: Emma Archibald from Fall River, N.S.; Leo Sammarelli from Vancouver; Madison Mullin from Fergus, Ont., with guide Brooke Ailey from Thunder Bay, Ont.; Jesse Bachinsky from Kenora, Ont., with guide Levi Nadlersmith from Boissevain, Man.; and Logan Lariviere from Sudbury, Ont., with guide Joe Hutton from Lakeside, Ont.
"Being named to the Paralympic team means reaching a mountain-top goal I’ve worked hard toward since I began this sport," Archibald said. Hudak added, "I feel very honoured to be named to my fourth Paralympic team and the thought of representing Canada still gives me chills."
Canada's Para nordic skiers have excelled recently, winning 16 medals in 2018 and 14 in 2022. The team will be supported by a staff headed by Brian McKeever, the most decorated Winter Paralympian with 20 medals, now coaching cross-country for the first time. The full athlete list also includes Joe Hutton, Levi Nadlersmith, Brooke Ailey, and others.
Mac Marcoux, honorary captain, praised the blend of veterans and newcomers: "Canada’s Para nordic skiing team has been a world leader for many years now... the future of Para nordic skiing is bright."
The Games feature six sports, with Canada expecting around 50 athletes total.
