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.  

Click above to view the Selection Rationale

Congratulations to the following athletes who have met criteria for official nomination to the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) for selection approval to the Milano-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games Team (PWGT) based on the Nordiq Canada 2026 Paralympic Winter Games Selection Criteria (Internal Nomination Procedure).

This Synopsis and Rationale is not a team announcement and is only used to rationalize the athletes who have met criteria for nomination. The official CPC team announcement for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games Team Para Nordic team is January 30th, 2026.

Team Size:
Canada has qualified a total of 12 quota spots for the Para Nordic team (Para Cross-Country and Para Biathlon) including six (6) quota spots for females, and six (6) quota spots for males. The selection of Team Canada is made by the CPC at its sole discretion. Selection is subject to the athlete’s satisfaction of all Para FIS and Para IBU eligibility requirements.

Nominations

Collin Cameron – ON
Derek Zaplotinsky – AB
Mark Arendz – PEI
Jesse Backinsky (+ guide) – ON
Logan Lariviere (+ guide) – ON
Leo Sammarelli – BC
Natalie Wilkie – BC
Madison Mullin (+ guide) – ON
Brittany Hudak – SK
Christina Picton – ON
Emma Archibald – NS
Lyne-Marie Bilodeau – QC

Alternate Nominations

Yves Bourque – QC

Athlete nominations were made by the High-Performance Manager and reviewed by the High-Performance Committee (HPC) based on the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games Selection Criteria (Internal Nomination Procedure) – Amended Nov 18, 2025. The HPC oversaw the nomination 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 Marshall Starkman, Para High-Performance Manager: mstarkman@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.

“Partnerships with Canadian companies who believe in Canadian athletes are incredibly meaningful to us,” said Beckie Scott, CEO of Nordiq Canada. “Burnbrae Farms’ commitment to quality, nutrition, and community aligns perfectly with our values. As our teams head overseas, it’s powerful to know they are being supported by a proudly Canadian partner.” 

“We are eggstremely proud to partner with Nordiq Canada to support and fuel Canadian athletes,” said Margaret Hudson, President & CEO at Burnbrae Farms Limited.  “This partnership is aligned with our family values of giving back to local communities, through grassroots and national programs to enhance the lives of Canadians.” 

Strong nutrition habits play an important role in athlete preparation, recovery, and long competition blocks, helping athletes meet the physical demands of training and racing throughout the season. 

“As an athlete, having foods you trust makes a big difference, especially when you’re training hard and travelling a lot,” said Collin Cameron, National Ski Team athlete and two-time world champion. “Eggs are something I eat almost every morning before training. Knowing that a Canadian company like Burnbrae Farms is choosing to invest in our team and support Canadian athletes makes that daily routine even more meaningful.” 

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence, health, and supporting Canadian success on the world stage. 

“High performance is built on strong fundamentals,” Scott said. “We’re thrilled to welcome Burnbrae Farms as a partner and grateful for their support as our athletes pursue their goals internationally.” 

For more information about Burnbrae Farms, visit https://www.burnbraefarms.com/ 

This scholarship is to be awarded to an individual who combines excellence in both academics and cross-country skiing. The scholarship has been funded by Canadian university alumni cross country skiers and other interested parties to encourage students to continue to combine excellence in both academics and cross-country skiing as they proceed with their postsecondary, university or college education.

Amount: $1000.00

Criteria

The applicant must meet the following requirements:

• Individual must have achieved a grade average of B+ (80%) or above and demonstrated national level potential in cross country skiing;
• Individual must be attending a Canadian post-secondary, university or college educational institute as a full-time student. The Selection Committee may consider individuals attending on a part time basis provided the individual will be completing a full academic year within a 12-month period;
• Individual must be a licensed racer and a member of a ski club in Canada.

Application process

Each participant needs to provide the following:

• a letter outlining, in 500 words or less, why they should be considered as a candidate for the scholarship;
• a summary of racing experience and results;
• information concerning other prizes, scholarships, or awards won in any endeavor;
• an academic transcript; and
• a letter of reference from their coach and/or local club.

Each applicant must agree in writing to release their name for publication purposes by Nordiq Canada.

Payment of Scholarship: The amount will be payable upon confirmation of enrolment at the educational institution in the case of an individual attending.

Notification of Applicants: While we appreciate applications received, only the successful applicant will be contacted. We thank all applicants for their applications.

Get your ideas ready!

Here is the template for your design 

The criteria for entering the contest are as follows:

• Contestants must be currently enrolled in a Nordiq Canada Jackrabbit or Bunnyrabbit program
• Contestants must be between the ages of 5 and 9
• Artwork must be original work

Selection process and timelines:

• Designs should be submitted to Megan Dunn (mdunn@nordiqcanada.ca) by February 22, 2026.
• Nordiq Canada will select 10 final designs, and voting will occur via Survey Monkey.
• The voting period will run from February 25 – March 3. Please remember that only Nordiq Canada members are eligible to vote!
• Announcement of the winning toque design will be posted on Nordiq Canada’s Facebook page and website.

The defining feature of the World Cup stop was the weather. Heavy snowfall and gusting winds created slow course conditions and required constant wind adjustments on the shooting range. Combined with occasional rifle issues, athletes were pushed to manage not only physical demands, but significant technical and mental challenges as well.

12.5‑kilometre individual

In the men’s standing 12.5‑kilometre individual, Mark Arendz continued his winning streak, capturing his fourth World Cup victory of the season after shooting 18 for 20 and finishing in 36:16.4.

“We woke up with lots of fresh snow and the wind really picked up on the range,” said Arendz. “When I missed early, it put pressure on the rest of the shots. I focused on what I could control and skied as hard as I could to the line. It wasn’t the easiest one, mentally or physically.”

Top 3 — Men’s Standing Individual

1. Mark Arendz (CAN) — 36:16.4
2. Benjamin Daviet (FRA) — 36:45.6
3. Wu Junbao (CHN) — 36:49.9

In the women’s standing individual, Natalie Wilkie extended her winning streak, shooting 20 for 20 to claim gold in 39:50.1. Brittany Hudak joined her on the podium in third, finishing in 40:52.3 after one shooting penalty.

Top 3 — Women’s Standing Individual

1. Natalie Wilkie (CAN) — 39:50.1
2. Zhao Zhiqing (CHN) — 39:56.2
3. Brittany Hudak (CAN) — 40:52.3

Derek Zaplotinsky, the current men’s sitting World Cup overall leader, placed sixth in the individual in 44:04.8 with two misses. Christina Picton also finished sixth in the women’s sitting individual in 52:27.3, while Maddie Mullin and guide Brooke Ailey crossed the line seventh in 30:49.0 in the women’s vision‑impaired race.

Sprint pursuit

In sprint pursuit qualification, both Wilkie and Arendz shot eight for 10, earning starting positions of fourth and seventh, respectively, for the final. Hudak shot clean in qualification to start the final in third.

Wilkie began the final in pursuit of China’s Zhao Zhiqing and Guo Yujie, along with teammate Hudak. The two Canadians worked together through the opening lap and entered the range at the same time for the first shoot. Wilkie delivered a perfect 10 for 10 in the final, racing to second in 17:20.9 to earn her fifth consecutive podium. Hudak finished fifth in 18:19.5 after three misses in her second shooting stage.

“It was a really good week for our entire team,” said Wilkie. “There was a lot of teamwork, testing skis, building each other up and sharing information, and that really showed. I think when I’m racing happy and enjoying what I’m doing, I stay more relaxed, and that’s when I’m able to put together my best performances. This week had some really challenging moments with the weather, but as a team we did a good job keeping the energy positive.”

Top 3 — Women’s Standing Sprint Pursuit

1. Guo Yujie (CHN) — 17:20.9
2. Natalie Wilkie (CAN) — 17:52.7
3. Zhao Zhiqing (CHN) — 18:11.5

In the men’s standing sprint pursuit final, Arendz leaned on ski speed to move through the field, but one miss in his first bout made the gap to first too great to close. He finished third in 15:11.3, marking his 100th career World Cup start and 60th career podium.

Top 3 — Men’s Standing Sprint Pursuit

1. Marco Maier (GER) — 15:11.3
2. Cai Jiayun (CHN) — 15:14.7
3. Mark Arendz (CAN) — 15:35.6

With two shooting penalties in the final, Zaplotinsky placed fifth in 22:53.4.

7.5‑kilometre sprint

After waking up with sore throats, both Arendz and Picton opted not to start the final day’s sprint in Notschrei, choosing to prioritize recovery ahead of upcoming cross‑country races and the Paralympics.

“It was a difficult decision,” said Arendz. “Racing while you’re coming down with something can lead to longer recovery and missing races. The goal this season is to be at my best for the Paralympics.”

Heading into the women’s standing 7.5‑kilometre sprint, Wilkie and Hudak knew the competition from China would be fierce.

With calm conditions on the final day, clean shooting became a requirement to contend for victory. Wilkie delivered once again, posting a clean race to finish second in 23:25.1, just 7.7 seconds behind Zhao Zhiqing (CHN). Hudak recorded one miss but produced one of her strongest ski performances of the week, finishing third in 24:42.1 to earn her second podium at the World Cup stop.

“I was really happy with how I executed my race today,” said Hudak. “I had one miss on the range, but I felt strong on the skis and was able to push hard the entire way. My legs felt much better than they did earlier in the week, and that allowed me to really race with confidence.”

This World Cup stop marked Canada’s first opportunity this season to race against China, which fielded a full and competitive team across all categories.

“Racing such strong competition pushes everyone to a higher level,” she said. “China has a really competitive team, and having them on the start line forces you to be sharp in every part of the race. That’s exactly what you want heading toward the Games, full fields, hard racing and a clear picture of where you need to keep improving.”

Top 3 — Women’s Standing Sprint

1. Zhao Zhiqing (CHN) — 23:17.7
2. Natalie Wilkie (CAN) — 23:25.1
3. Brittany Hudak (CAN) — 24:42.1

In the men’s sitting sprint, Zaplotinsky shot clean and finished sixth in 22:53.4, retaining his overall World Cup lead. Mullin and Ailey placed eighth in 27:46.7 in the women’s vision‑impaired sprint.

“The athletes handled some of the toughest conditions we’ve seen in years and made smart decisions throughout the week,” said Canada’s Para biathlon coach Menno Arendz. “What’s been most encouraging is the consistency they’re showing, finding ways to improve, learning from each race and making adjustments as the week went on. That approach is exactly what we want to see at this stage of the season as we fine‑tune the small details and make our final adjustments heading toward the Games.”

Wilkie leaves Notschrei ranked first overall in women’s standing, with Hudak second overall. Arendz sits second overall in men’s standing. With three races remaining in the Para biathlon World Cup season, the Crystal Globe overall titles will be decided in Jakuszyce, Poland, ahead of the Paralympic Games.

Full Results: https://www.biathlonworld.com/results?EventType=PBSWRLCP