Canada Strikes Gold: Wheelchair Curling Team Defeats China at Paralympics
Published: March 14, 2026
Dramatic Finish Secures Gold for Canada
Canada’s wheelchair curling team secured a hard-fought 4-3 victory over China on Saturday at the Milan Cortina Paralympics, claiming the gold medal and ending a 12-year drought in the event. The win marks Canada’s fourth Paralympic gold medal in wheelchair curling.
The Canadian rink, comprised of skip Mark Ideson, third/vice-skip Jon Thurston, second Ina Forrest, lead Collinda Joseph, and fifth Gilbert Dash, completed the tournament with an unprecedented 11-0 record.
A Thrilling Final End
The gold-medal game was a back-and-forth affair, tied 3-3 entering the eighth and final end. With the score level, the tension was palpable as Canada faced a crucial final shot.
“It wasn’t completely clear which team had shot rock,”
With time running out, Ideson delivered a precise shot, slightly bumping his own team’s rock closer to the button to secure the win.
“Skip Mark Ideson, with ice in his veins and the clock running out, delivered the stone of his life,”
Undefeated Run to Championship
Canada’s journey to gold was nothing short of dominant. The team became the first wheelchair curling squad ever to head undefeated (11-0) in Paralympic tournament play. Their preliminary round included a 9-4 win over China, the defending champions.
Historical Context
Canada and China are the only two nations to have ever won Paralympic gold in wheelchair curling. Canada’s victories came in 2006, 2010, and 2014, even as China won in 2018 and 2022. This victory restores Canada to the top of the podium after settling for bronze in the previous two Paralympic Games.
Forrest’s Fifth Games
Ina Forrest, co-captain of the Canadian team, made history by competing in her fifth Paralympic Games. This gold medal is her third Paralympic title, having previously won in 2010 and 2014.
Other Canadian Successes
Michaela Gosselin also contributed to Canada’s medal count, securing a bronze medal in the women’s standing slalom Para alpine skiing event.
FAQ
- How many gold medals has Canada won in wheelchair curling? Canada has now won four gold medals in wheelchair curling (2006, 2010, 2014, 2026).
- What was Canada’s record at the Paralympics? Canada finished the tournament with a perfect 11-0 record.
- Who did Canada defeat in the gold medal game? Canada defeated China 4-3.