Canadian Para Biathlete Mark Arendz Wins Gold in World Cup Season Opener

Canadian Para biathlete Mark Arendz continued his winning streak as he claimed the gold medal in the men’s standing 7.5-kilometre sprint event at the World Cup season opener in Vuokatti, Finland. Arendz, a two-time Paralympic biathlon champion from Hartsville, P.E.I., showcased his skill by shooting clean in both rounds and finishing 12 seconds ahead of Serhii Romaniuk of Ukraine with a time of 19 minutes 15.5 seconds.

Last season, the 34-year-old Arendz dominated the competition and clinched the men’s overall World Cup title after remaining undefeated. With eight Paralympic medals in biathlon, Arendz has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the discipline.

Natalie Wilkie Claims Bronze in Women’s Standing Event

Another Canadian, Natalie Wilkie from Salmon Arm, B.C., made a strong start to the season by securing a bronze medal in the women’s standing event. The 23-year-old finished the race in 21:44.7, hitting eight of 10 targets across the two rounds. China’s Guo Yujie emerged victorious with a time of 21:13.9, while Ukraine’s Liudmyla Liashenko took the silver medal with a time of 21:41.8. Brittany Hudak from Prince Albert, Sask., finished in sixth place with a time of 22:10.5.

Collin Cameron Returns to Biathlon World Cup Racing

Collin Cameron from Bracebridge, Ont., made his comeback to biathlon World Cup racing after recovering from injuries. The 36-year-old competed in the men’s sitting event and finished fifth with a time of 23:49.4 after missing two shots. Derek Zaplotinsky from Smoky Lake, Alta., finished two spots behind Cameron with a time of 24:13.1.

Canada’s Para biathletes will be back in action for the 12.5km individual races on Saturday, looking to continue their impressive performances in the World Cup season.