Heading into his fourth Paralympic Winter Games, McGregor is a well-recognized leader within the Paralympic Movement. A co-captain of the Milano Cortina 2026 Canadian Paralympic Team, he holds two Paralympic silver medals (2022, 2018) and a bronze (2014). He is also a three-time world champion, most recently in 2024 alongside his Para ice hockey teammates.

“The Canadian flag represents resilience, courage, and unity – values that define the Paralympic Movement and Canada’s team,” said McGregor. “It’s the honour of a lifetime to carry Canada’s spirit onto the world stage at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. This honour reflects the support of my family, friends, coaches, teammates, and community who have stood beside me throughout this incredible journey through sport and life. “I’m filled with pride, deep gratitude, and a tremendous respect for the opportunity to represent a team that truly reflects the very best of Canada.”

With seven Paralympic medals over two Games appearances, Wilkie is one of the world’s most successful Para nordic skiers. She was one of the breakout stars at PyeongChang 2018, winning a medal of each colour in her debut Games at age 17. She followed it up with four more at Beijing 2022 – two golds, one silver, and one bronze. She is currently the reigning Para biathlon Crystal Globe holder as the overall champion in the women’s standing category.

“I’m incredibly excited and honoured to be named Canada’s flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony, and to share this moment with Tyler McGregor makes it even more special,” said Wilkie. “I remember watching my coach, Brian McKeever, carry the flag in 2018 and seeing how proud he was during the ceremony. So, to follow in his footsteps and hold that same honour is amazing. I’m grateful for this opportunity, and so excited to wave the flag for a country I’m so proud to represent.”

The Opening Ceremony will take place in Verona, which is not a competition cluster for the Games. Because of its location, which would require significant travel for all Canadian team members, McGregor, Wilkie, and all their Canadian teammates will not attend the Opening Ceremony and instead be celebrated in their respective Villages.

“A huge congratulations to Tyler and Natalie on their much-deserved selection; they are both such accomplished athletes, leaders in their sports, and incredible representatives for our country,” said

Catherine Gosselin-Despres, Chief Sport Officer, Canadian Paralympic Committee. “With the format and location of the Opening Ceremony different for these Games, we made the decision alongside the sports that athletes would not attend and prioritize preparation for their competition the next day. While Tyler and Natalie will not be carrying the flag in person, we will be celebrating them in their Villages and amongst the entire Canadian Paralympic Team – and we are immensely proud to have them lead the team into the start of the Games.”

McGregor and his teammates will open their Milano Cortina 2026 tournament on March 7, taking on Slovakia at 8:35 pm local at the Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena. It will be the first of three preliminary bouts as Canada aims to return to the gold medal game set for March 15.

Wilkie will also hit the start line on March 7, with the biathlon sprint the first competition on tap for Canada’s Para nordic skiers. Wilkie will race in the women’s standing event starting at 12 pm local time. Para nordic skiing competition (including Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing) will take place at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, located in the Val di Fiemme region.

“I couldn’t be more excited to see Tyler and Natalie selected to be Canada’s flag bearers,” said Mac Marcoux, honorary captain, Milano Cortina 2026 Canadian Paralympic Team. “It is such an absolute honour to be selected to carry the flag and lead our team into the Games! Natalie and Tyler have truly earned this opportunity by exemplifying what it means to be strong leaders both in the field of play and as athletes representing Canada on the world stage. Congrats to them both and I can’t wait to cheer them on at the Games.”

“Congratulations to Tyler McGregor (Para ice hockey) and Natalie Wilkie (Para nordic skiing) on being named flag bearers for the Canadian Paralympic Team at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games,” said The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport). “This honour recognizes the leadership, dedication and respect you have earned through your performances and contributions to the team. Carrying the Canadian flag at the Paralympic Games is a profound responsibility, and you will lead your teammates onto the world stage with pride.”

Canada will be represented by 50 athletes at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, taking place March 6-15. Audiences can tune in for CBC’s coverage of Milano Cortina 2026 on CBC, CBC Gem, and CBC’s Milano Cortina 2026 website (cbc.ca/milanocortina2026) in English. Coverage in French can be found on ICI TÉLÉ, ICI TOU.TV, and on Radio-Canada.ca/jeux-paralympiques. About the Canadian Paralympic Committee: Paralympic.ca

***

MEDIA CONTACTS

Nicole Watts Canadian Paralympic Team Communications Lead nwatts@paralympic.ca / 613-462-2700 (WhatsApp)

Branden Crowe Media Attaché, Para Ice Hockey bcrowe@hockeycanada.ca / 204-730-2147 (WhatsApp)

Nathaniel Mah Media Attaché, Para Nordic Skiing nmah@nordiqcanada.ca / 403-700-4927 (WhatsApp)

Click above to view the Selection Rationale

Congratulations to the following athletes who have been selected to the World Cup Period Four (4) Europe Team with races in Falun, Lahti, Drammen, and Oslo, February 23rd  – March 15th, 2026. Athlete selections were based on the 2025-26 Nordiq Canada Competition Trip Selection Criteria.   

Competition Trip Objectives:   

• Provide appropriate competition opportunities to athletes who have demonstrated the ability to achieve a WC Top 20 performance.  
• Support the Nations Cup Ranking overall. 

Summary of Nominations 

Oliver Léveillé – Club ski de fond Orford – CNEPH

Katie Weaver – Hollyburn Cross-Country Ski Club – AWCA

Alison Mackie – Edmonton Nordic Ski Club, AWCA

Tom Stephen – Foothills Nordic Ski Club, AWCA

Xavier McKeever – Foothills Nordic Ski Club, AWCA

Antoine Cyr – Skinouk, CNEPH

Rémi Drolet – Black Jack Ski Club, SMS T2

Max Hollmann – Big Thunder Nordic, AWCA

Liliane Gagnon – Skibec, CNEPH

Jasmine Drolet – Club Nordique Mont-Sainte-Anne, CNEPH

Katherine Stewart-Jones – Nakkertok Nordic, AWCA

Olivia Bouffard-Nesbitt – Fondeurs-Laurentides, AWCA

Sasha Masson – Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club, CNEPH

Athlete nominations were made by the Acting High-Performance Director (HPD) and reviewed by the High-Performance Committee (HPC) based on the 2025-26 Nordiq Canada Competition Trip Selection Criteria. The HPC oversaw the selection process as per the Nordiq Canada Nomination, Selection and Announcement policy. Members of this committee are: 

• Graham Nishikawa (athlete rep – Para)   
• Devon Kershaw (athlete rep – Olympic)   
• Maria Lundgren (BC)   
• Pauline Nadlersmith (MB)   
• John Lofranco (Athletics Canada)   

Final athlete selections were approved by Eric de Nys, Acting High-Performance Director: edenys@nordiqcanada.ca 

Selection decisions may be appealed under the Nordiq Canada Dispute Resolution and Appeals Policy. Any dispute must be brought directly to the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC) to be heard pursuant to the Canadian Sport Dispute Resolution Code. An athlete who wishes to appeal shall file an appeal with the SDRCC within three (3) days of the nomination Synopsis and Rationale being posted to the Nordiq Canada website. 

Join us as we dig into defining excellence for ourselves, our programs and our clubs. To us, excellence is a process, not a destination. It is about doing things the right way to the best of our capabilities. We believe everyone can strive for excellence, no matter where you are on the pathway.

Dates and Times
Five 90-minute virtual sessions
April 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
7:30–9:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Location
All sessions will be held virtually. Registered participants will receive the meeting link in advance.

Who Should Attend
Nordic sport coaches at all levels — from community to high performance.

Session Topics

• April 1: Cultural transformation and creating excellence within the development pathway — adopting a solutions-focused approach
• April 8: Engagement across the development pathway — clarifying roles and responsibilities of clubs, divisions, and the NSO
• April 15: Enhancing effectiveness in the daily training environment
• April 22: Monitoring progression — understanding improvement and defining performance growth
• April 29: Building a mentorship roadmap for coaches and clubs — from self-identification to a systemic approach

Cost and Registration
$50 for the full series or $15 per session

Registration is available through The Locker for:

• Full event,
• April 1,
• April 8,
• April 15,
• April 22,
• April 29

Prizes
Sponsor prizes will be drawn during each session for attendees, with a grand prize awarded to one participant who attends all five sessions.

The NCDF Team Coatsworth Athlete Grant is an annual grant delivered through the Nordiq Canada Development Fund. The aim of the grant is to support individual elite athletes, who are in financial need, and have demonstrated potential for reaching international podiums. Athlete’s involvement in furthering their education will also be a consideration. This is established as a generous gift by long-time Canadian cross-country ski supporter and former Nordiq Canada Board Chair Jamie Coatsworth.  

For 2026, the grant will support three athletes with $2,000 of funding each, including: 

• One Olympic stream female athlete 

• One Olympic stream male athlete 

• One Paralympic stream athlete 

APPLICATION FORM (click to view)

Athletes wishing to apply for the grant must provide the details outlined in the application form to nwilliams@nordiqcanada.ca by February 23, 2026. 

Junior Women:

Ella Fuller – Fernie Nordic Society  

Ruby Serrouya – Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club 

Louison Dubief – AWCA – Fernie Nordic Society  

Eula Palmer-Bird – Sovereign Lake Nordic Club 

Sarah-Ève Picard – CNEPH – Mont-Sainte-Anne 

Madeleine Wilkie – Larch Hills Nordic Society   

Junior Men: 

Eamon Wilson – AWCA – Hollyburn Cross-Country Ski Clu 

Raleigh Tarte – AWCA – Kimberley Nordic Club  

Finn Redman – AWCA – Telemark Nordic   

Zachari Moreau – Club Nordique Mont-Sainte-Anne  

Teo Wadsworth – Canmore Nordic Ski Club 

Thierry Olivier – CNEPH – Club Nordique Mont-Sainte-Anne 

U23 Women: 

Alison Mackie – AWCA – Edmonton Nordic Ski Club 

Anna Stewart – Nakkertok Cross-Country Ski Club 

Marlie Molinaro – Revelstoke Nordic ski Club 

Katya Semeniuk – AWCA – Nakkertok Cross-Country Ski Club 

U23 Men: 

Xavier McKeever – AWCA – Foothills Nordic Ski Club 

Luke Allan – Nakkertok Cross-Country Ski Club 

Ry Prior – AWCA – Club Chelsea Nordiq 

Justin Boudreau – CNEPH – Montériski 

Noah Weir Chaba – AWCA – Canmore Nordic Ski Club  

Leading the team are World Junior medalists Xavier McKeever and Alison Mackie, both of whom will also compete at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games beginning Feb. 6. Mackie, who earned two individual World Junior medals last season, and McKeever will be targeting their first individual podium at the U23 Championships. 

“Our teams this year bring an exceptional combination of depth, experience and momentum,” said Eric de Nys, Nordiq Canada’s acting high‑performance director. “We have athletes who have proven they can excel on the world stage, and a new wave of young skiers who are eager to rise. This group has the talent, resilience and competitive fire to deliver standout performances in Lillehammer.” 

The team will be supported by the following staff: 

• Trip Lead – Matt Smider 
• Trip Lead – Justin Wadsworth 
• Coach – Tormod Vatten
• Coach – Julien Lamoureux 
• Coach – Stephen Hart 
• Coach – Katherine Denis 
• Wax Tech – Adam Pojasok 
• Wax Tech – Renald Briere 
• Wax Tech – Devon Kershaw 
• Wax Tech / Medical Lead – Frank Ackermann  
• Physiotherapy – Greg Redman 

Canada enters the championships as a strong medal contender after recording five individual and one team podiums over the past two years. 

“There’s a real sense of purpose and unity in this team,” says Beckie Scott, CEO of Nordiq Canada. “They’re confident, grounded and incredibly capable. We believe in this group not just because of what they’ve achieved, but because of how they carry themselves. They have the mindset and the talent to rise to the moment, and I’m excited to see what they can do in Lillehammer.” 

Click above to view the Selection Rationale

Congratulations to the following athletes who have been selected 2026 FIS Nordic Junior and U23 World Ski Championships Team in Lillehammer, Norway from March 2nd to 8th 2026. Athlete selections were based on the 2025-26 Nordiq Canada Competition Trip Selection Criteria.  

Competition Trip Objectives:  

• Top 3 performances in individual and Team Events 

Summary of Nominations 

Junior Women:
Ella Fuller – Fernie Nordic Society  

Ruby Serrouya – Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club 

Louison Dubief – AWCA – Fernie Nordic Society  

Eula Palmer-Bird – Sovereign Lake Nordic Club 

Sarah-Ève Picard – CNEPH – Mont-Sainte-Anne 

Madeleine Wilkie – Larch Hills Nordic Society   

Junior Men: 

Eamon Wilson – AWCA – Hollyburn Cross-Country Ski Club

Raleigh Tarte – AWCA – Kimberley Nordic Club  

Finn Redman – AWCA – Telemark Nordic   

Zachari Moreau – Club Nordique Mont-Sainte-Anne  

Teo Wadsworth – Canmore Nordic Ski Club 

Theirry Olivier – CNEPH – Club Nordique Mont-Sainte-Anne 

U23 Women: 

Alison Mackie – AWCA – Edmonton Nordic Ski Club 

Anna Stewart – Nakkertok Cross-Country Ski Club 

Marlie Molinaro – Revelstoke Nordic ski Club 

Katya Semeniuk – AWCA – Nakkertok Cross-Country Ski Club 

U23 Men: 

Xavier McKeever – AWCA – Foothills Nordic Ski Club 

Luke Allan – Nakkertok Cross-Country Ski Club 

Ry Prior – AWCA – Club Chelsea Nordiq 

Justin Boudreau – CNEPH – Montériski 

Noah Weir Chaba – AWCA – Canmore Nordic Ski Club  

Athlete nominations were made by the Acting High-Performance Director (HPD) and reviewed by the High-Performance Committee (HPC) based on the 2025-26 Nordiq Canada Competition Trip Selection Criteria. The HPC oversaw the selection process as per the Nordiq Canada Nomination, Selection and Announcement policy. Members of this committee are: 

• Graham Nishikawa (athlete rep – Para)   
• Devon Kershaw (athlete rep – Olympic)   
• Maria Lundgren (BC)   
• Pauline Nadlersmith (MB)   
• John Lofranco (Athletics Canada)   

Final athlete selections were approved by Eric de Nys, Acting High-Performance Director: edenys@nordiqcanada.ca  

Selection decisions may be appealed under the Nordiq Canada Dispute Resolution and Appeals Policy. Any dispute must be brought directly to the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC) to be heard pursuant to the Canadian Sport Dispute Resolution Code. An athlete who wishes to appeal shall file an appeal with the SDRCC within three (3) days of the nomination Synopsis and Rationale being posted to the Nordiq Canada website. 

Calgary, January 30, 2025 – A team of 15 Para nordic skiers, including guides – who compete across Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing – have been nominated to compete for Canada at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Nordiq Canada announced Friday.   

Milano Cortina 2026 Canadian Paralympic Team – PARA NORDIC SKIING 

1. Emma Archibald – Fall River, NS 
2. Mark Arendz – Hartsville, PEI  
3. Jesse Bachinsky – Kenora, ON 
4. Levi Nadlersmith (guide for Bachinsky) – Boissevain, MT 
5. Lyne-Marie Bilodeau – Sherbrooke, QC 
6. Collin Cameron – Bracebridge, ON 
7. Brittany Hudak – Prince Albert, SK 
8. Logan Lariviere – Sudbury, ON 
9. Joe Hutton (guide for Lariviere) – Lakeside, ON 
10. Madison Mullin – Fergus, ON 
11. Brooke Ailey (guide for Mullin) – Thunder Bay, ON 
12. Christina Picton – Fonthill, ON  
13. Leo Sammarelli – Vancouver, BC 
14. Natalie Wilkie – Salmon Arm, BC  
15. Derek Zaplotinsky – Smoky Lake, AB  

The squad is led by Mark Arendz, headed to his fifth Paralympic Winter Games. With 12 Paralympic podiums, including a Canadian record six medals at a single Games in 2018, he is one of Canada’s most successful Para athletes of all time.  

“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,” said Arendz. “I began this quad taking four months away from competition to recover from surgery and reset, always with the goal of returning to the Paralympics. There was a hunger left after Beijing, and now I have the opportunity to put everything together once again and see what I’m capable of. I believe I can put myself in a position to contend for multiple medals in 2026. My focus is on arriving at the start line on March 7 at my best, physically and mentally, trusting my preparation, racing hard and enjoying the experience.” 

Brittany Hudak, one of five co-captains of the Milano Cortina 2026 Canadian Paralympic Team, is set for her fourth Games appearance, while Collin Cameron, Natalie Wilkie, and Derek Zaplotinsky will each be competing at their third consecutive Games.  

Arendz, Hudak, Cameron, and Wilkie are the team’s four Paralympic medallists. Alongside Arendz, Wilkie holds seven medals, Cameron six, and Hudak three.  

“I feel very honoured to be named to my fourth Paralympic team and the thought of representing Canada still gives me chills” said Hudak. “It’s such a privilege to compete for Canada on the world stage and I want to hone in on all of that energy for these upcoming Games. The team has had an amazing season so far with podiums and personal bests. I think this really showcases the strength of the team and our ability to perform under pressure and on demand.” 

Lyne-Marie Bilodeau and Christina Picton also are returnees from the Beijing 2022 squad, set for their second Games appearances.  

Eight athletes will be making their Paralympic debuts – Emma Archibald, Leo Sammarelli, Madison Mullin and guide Brooke Ailey, Jesse Bachinsky and guide Levi Nadlersmith, and Logan Lariviere and guide Joe Hutton.  

“Being named to the Paralympic team means reaching a mountain-top goal I’ve worked hard toward since I began this sport!” said Archibald.  “I’m incredibly proud of every step that led me here, and even more excited to represent Canada, my communities, and the Paralympic Movement, using this platform to show our team’s strength and inspire the next generation of Para athletes!” 

Para nordic skiing includes two sports at the Games – Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing. Canada’s Para nordic skiing team has been the nation’s most successful at the past two Games, with a record 16 medals in 2018 followed by 14 in 2022.  

The athletes will be joined in Italy by a support staff led by head coach Brian McKeever, Canada’s most decorated Winter Paralympian. This will be McKeever’s first Games as coach following a legendary career spanning six Games with 20 medals.  

1. Team Leader – Marshall Starkman – Calgary, AB  
2. Head Coach Cross Country – Brian McKeever – Canmore, AB 
3. Head Coach Biathlon – Menno Arendz – Hartsville, PEI 
4. Assistant Coach – Leslie Bode – Thunder Bay, ON 
5. Team Coordinator – Haley Morey  
6. Mental Performance – Clare Fewster – Calgary, AB  
7. Jess Kryski – IST Lead/Physiologist  
8. Massage Therapy – Sarah Stephen – Yellowknife, NT 
9. Physiotherapy – Shane Munro – Canmore, AB  
10. Head Wax Technician – Lahav Wolach – Calgary, AB  
11. Wax Technician – Andrew Vanden Berg – Thunder Bay, ON  
12. Ski Pilot – Russell Kennedy – Canmore, AB  
13. Ski Pilot – Jacqueline Akerman 
14. Ski Pilot – Patrick Moore  
15. Aide – Tamara Howard – Kenora, ON  

Para nordic skiing competition will take place March 7-15 at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium located in the Val di Fiemme region of Italy. The schedule is as follows: 

March 7: Para Biathlon 12.5km Individual 
March 8: Para Cross-Country Sprint Classic
March 10: Para Biathlon 7.5km Sprint 
March 11: Para Cross-Country 20km Free
March 13: Para Biathlon Sprint Pursuit
March 14: Para Cross-Country Relays
March 15: Para Cross-Country Middle Distance 

“Congratulations to all 15 Para nordic skiers heading to Milano Cortina,” said Mac Marcoux, honorary captain, Milano Cortina 2026 Canadian Paralympic Team. “Canada’s Para nordic skiing team has been a world leader for many years now, and I am stoked to welcome back such incredible Paralympians like Mark, Natalie, Brittany, and Collin. With eight athletes making their Paralympic debuts as well, the future of Para nordic skiing is bright. It is going to be a very exciting Games watching this team compete.”  

The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will take place March 6-15, 2026 and feature athletes competing in six sports – Para alpine skiing, Para ice hockey, Para nordic skiing (Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing), Para snowboard, and wheelchair curling. Canada is expecting to send a team of approximately 50 athletes.  

CLICK HERE to see the complete list of athletes currently nominated to the Canadian Paralympic Team. 

Prior to being officially named to the Canadian Paralympic Team, all nominations are subject to approval by the Canadian Paralympic Committee. The approved final roster will be announced closer to the start of the Games.  

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee: Paralympic.ca   

About Nordiq Canada: NordiqCanada.ca 
 

MEDIA CONTACTS 

Nicole Watts
Senior Manager, Communications & PR
Canadian Paralympic Committee
nwatts@paralympic.ca / 613-462-2700 

Nathaniel Mah 
Para Nordic Skiing Media Attaché
Nordiq Canada
nmah@nordiqcanada.ca / 403-700-4927
 

Bouffard‑Nesbitt had initially been designated as the first alternate. She was added to the roster after the International Ski Federation’s quota reallocation process awarded Canada an additional women’s spot. 

“Olivia has earned this opportunity through strong results,” said Eric de Nys, acting high‑performance director at Nordiq Canada. “Her consistent form on the World Cup circuit shows she’s ready to line up against the best in the world. We’re incredibly proud to have her on this team and know she will represent Canada with determination, professionalism and heart.” 

Bouffard‑Nesbitt has delivered a series of strong performances this season, including a 27th‑place finish in the Tour de Ski sprint and an 11th‑place result in the women’s team sprint in Goms alongside teammate Liliane Gagnon. 

“I’m so excited to join the team heading to Milano Cortina. To be part of this squad is such a privilege, especially at a time when there is so much momentum within the team,” Bouffard‑Nesbitt said. “It feels like we’re on this tremendous upswing, and I’m committed to doing whatever I can to contribute to the positive energy of this team.” 

Bouffard‑Nesbitt competed at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games. Her addition strengthens a young and emerging Canadian women’s squad heading into 2026, bringing sprinting power, international experience and proven readiness on major stages to bolster Canada’s depth and relay potential. 

Team Canada’s cross‑country skiing roster for Milano Cortina 2026 now includes: 

Women:
Olivia Bouffard‑Nesbitt (Morin Heights, Que.)
Jasmine Drolet (Rossland, B.C.)
Liliane Gagnon (Shawinigan‑Sud, Que.)
Alison Mackie (Edmonton, Alta.)
Sonjaa Schmidt (Whitehorse, Yuk.)
Katherine Stewart‑Jones (Chelsea, Que.)
Amelia Wells (Victoria, B.C.) 

Men:
Antoine Cyr (Gatineau, Que.)
Rémi Drolet (Rossland, B.C.)
Max Hollmann (Thunder Bay, Ont.)
Xavier McKeever (Canmore, Alta.)
Tom Stephen (Calgary, Alta.) 

Cross-country skiing will take place February 7 to 22, 2026 (Days 1 to 16) at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium in the Val di Fiemme region. 

Natalie Wilkie closed out a dominant campaign in style, shooting clean and racing to her sixth victory of the season in the final individual race. The performance sealed the overall Crystal Globe in the women’s standing category, adding yet another gold medal to an already remarkable season. 

“This was one of my most consistent seasons on the range, and I’m glad to see it paid off,” said Wilkie. “One of my main goals outside of performing at the Paralympic Winter Games was winning an overall Para Biathlon title, and to see it become a reality is truly an amazing feeling.” 

Wilkie finished atop the overall Para Biathlon World Cup standings with 885 points, claiming the Crystal Globe ahead of teammate Brittany Hudak, who placed second overall with 662 points. American Danielle Aravich rounded out the podium, finishing third with 629 points.  

The overall title in the men’s standing category came down to the final race of the season, with France’s Benjamin Daviet holding a six-point lead over Arendz going into the individual race. With the pressure higher than ever, Arendz delivered, shooting clean and powering through the course to claim the win and overall World Cup title.  

“To come down to not only the final race, but the final lap, where I needed to hold onto my four-second lead to win the race and the overall is as exciting as it gets,” said Arendz. “The overall Crystal Globe signifies consistency throughout the season, and that’s what we as a team were able to do in three categories. It shows our strength as a team as we now look towards the Paralympics.” 

The win secured Arendz his fifth career Crystal Globe, further cementing his place among the world’s top Para biathletes. 

Arendz finished with 765 points, edging France’s Benjamin Daviet, who placed second overall with 761 points. Fellow French skier Karl Tabouret completed the overall podium in third with 636 points.  

Consistency was the hallmark of Derek Zaplotinsky’s season, and it paid off with his first career Crystal Globe, marking a major milestone in his international career. 

“This one means a lot,” said Zaplotinsky. “It’s always been a dream of mine to win a Crystal Globe, and to finally do it on a Paralympic year is just icing on the cake. I’ve been consistent this year, and really happy with my racing and shooting, it means a lot to be taking this back to Canada with me.”  

Zaplotinsky finished the season with 666 points, securing the overall Crystal Globe ahead of Britain’s Scott Meenagh, who finished second with 577 points. Ukraine’s Taras Rad rounded out the overall podium in third with 570 points. 

With three Crystal Globes secured and momentum higher than ever, the team now turns its focus toward final preparations for the upcoming Paralympic Winter Games starting March 6.