Canada's dominance was on full display at the Para Biathlon World Cup held at the prestigious Paralympic venue for the upcoming 2026 Milan-Cortina Games, as Canadian athletes secured multiple gold medals and showcased their exceptional talent.
Mark Arendz, hailing from Hartsville, Prince Edward Island, completed this remarkable showcase by clinching his second straight gold medal on the final day of competition, sealing three golds for Canada during the event. Competing fiercely, he claimed victory in the men's standing 7.5-kilometre race on February 1, 2025, with a time of 17:41.7, demonstrating his remarkable shooting accuracy by hitting every target throughout the season.
The impressive performances by the Canadian team continued with significant wins on the opening day of the series. Arendz, Derek Zaplotinsky, and Brittany Hudak swept the podium during the pursuit races held on January 30, with each athlete showcasing impressive skills and tactics against tough international competitors.
Zaplotinsky, from Smoky Lake, Alberta, earned his first-ever biathlon victory in the men's sitting category, finishing the event with precision shooting and completing the race with a time of 11:42.3. "Everything just came together today," he reflected, emphasizing the training and dedication he applied over the summer. His determination and focus laid the foundation for future success as he gears up for the Paralympic Games.
Brittany Hudak's performance stood out as she overcame initial hurdles to claim victory as well. Starting the pursuit race from third position, the Prince Albert, Saskatchewan native displayed grit and resilience, keeping her concentration intact to register top scores. She commented, "I really tried to focus on my own process and shoot clean," highlighting her ability to maintain composure under pressure even amid challenging conditions, including rain.
Following her triumph, Arendz echoed the sentiment of joy shared among teammates. "What a fantastic day for Canadians," he celebrated following his win. Arendz's commitment to excellence this season is underscored by his impressive record of four wins out of five races, having not missed any targets this entire season. His back-to-back wins this week place him at the forefront of expectations with World Championships scheduled for February 4-9, 2025, in Pokljuka, Slovenia.
Arendz approached the final day feeling the effects of jet lag but maintained unwavering focus, stating, "There’s always something to work on." Despite his phenomenal achievements, the experienced Paralympian recognizes the depth of competition, with several formidable opponents eager to dethrone him. His constant pursuit of improvement reflects the competitive nature of para biathlon.
Each athlete's performance contributed to the Canadian hat trick, showing off their focus and determination as they set their targets on future events, including the approaching Para Biathlon World Championships. The team’s success at the world cup serves as significant motivation as they head toward the Paralympic scene where they aim to translate this momentum and preparation to podium finishes.
Mark Arendz's achievements this week serve as inspiration, as he leads his Canadian teammates confidently. "We’re aiming to carry this momentum going forward," he proclaimed, underscoring the team's shared commitment to excellence.
This week’s races were not only about winning medals; they also provided key insights and validation for the athletes as they perfect their skills leading up to the biggest stage of all: the Paralympic Games. With such remarkable performances, the Canadian biathlon team is poised to leave its mark on the international stage, and their collective talents surely give fans plenty of cause for enthusiasm.
The Canadian triumphs solidify their status as formidable contenders, hinting strongly at the potential for success at the upcoming 2026 Games. With the world watching, Arendz and his teammates remain poised to carry their impressive performance forward, ready to meet whatever challenges lay before them with confidence, skill, and determination.