Canada Announces Para Nordic Skiing Team for 2026 Paralympic Winter Games
The Canadian Paralympic Committee and Nordiq Canada have officially unveiled the roster of athletes who will represent the nation in Para Nordic skiing at the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. The announcement was made at the Canadian Sport Institute Alberta gym in Calgary on Friday, January 30, 2026, marking a significant milestone as the team prepares for international competition.
A Diverse and Experienced Squad
A total of 15 Para Nordic skiers, including guides who assist visually impaired athletes, have been nominated to compete across Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing disciplines. This team blends seasoned Paralympians with promising newcomers, showcasing Canada's depth in winter Para sports.
The full roster includes:
- Emma Archibald — Fall River, N.S.
- Mark Arendz — Hartsville, P.E.I.
- Jesse Bachinsky — Kenora, Ont.
- Levi Nadlersmith (guide for Bachinsky) — Boissevain, Man.
- Lyne-Marie Bilodeau — Sherbrooke, Que.
- Collin Cameron — Bracebridge, Ont.
- Brittany Hudak — Prince Albert, Sask.
- Logan Lariviere — Sudbury, Ont.
- Joe Hutton (guide for Lariviere) — Lakeside, Ont.
- Madison Mullin — Fergus, Ont.
- Brooke Ailey (guide for Mullin) — Thunder Bay, Ont.
- Christina Picton — Fonthill, Ont.
- Leo Sammarelli — Vancouver, B.C.
- Natalie Wilkie — Salmon Arm, B.C.
- Derek Zaplotinsky — Smoky Lake, Alta.
Leadership from a Paralympic Legend
The squad is spearheaded by Mark Arendz, who is set to compete in his fifth Paralympic Winter Games, a testament to his enduring excellence and dedication. With an impressive tally of 12 Paralympic podiums, including a Canadian record of six medals at a single Games in 2018, Arendz stands as one of Canada's most decorated Para athletes in history.
Reflecting on this achievement, Arendz expressed his pride and determination. "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," he said. "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."
He added, "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."
Veterans and Newcomers Unite
Alongside Arendz, the team features other experienced Paralympians. Brittany Hudak, one of five co-captains for the Milano Cortina 2026 Canadian Paralympic Team, will make her fourth Games appearance. Collin Cameron, Natalie Wilkie, and Derek Zaplotinsky are each headed to their third consecutive Games, bringing valuable expertise to the group.
Arendz, Hudak, Cameron, and Wilkie are the team's four Paralympic medallists, with Wilkie holding seven medals, Cameron six, and Hudak three, complementing Arendz's extensive collection. Hudak shared her enthusiasm, stating, "I feel very honoured to be named to my fourth Paralympic team and the thought of representing Canada still gives me chills. 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."
She also highlighted the team's recent successes, noting, "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."
Fresh Faces Ready to Shine
Returning from the Beijing 2022 squad are Lyne-Marie Bilodeau and Christina Picton, both set for their second Games appearances. Meanwhile, eight athletes will be making their Paralympic debuts, injecting new energy into the team. These debutants include Emma Archibald, Leo Sammarelli, Madison Mullin and her guide Brooke Ailey, Jesse Bachinsky and his guide Levi Nadlersmith, and Logan Lariviere and his guide Joe Hutton.
For Archibald, this nomination represents a culmination of hard work and aspiration. "Being named to the Paralympic team means reaching a mountain-top goal I've worked hard toward since I began this sport," she said. "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!"
As the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games approach, this Canadian Para Nordic skiing team embodies a powerful mix of legacy and potential, poised to compete with passion and resilience on the global stage.
