The Winter Paralympics were held in Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia from March 12 to 21. This was the second time that Canada hosted the Paralympics, the first time being the 1976 Summer Paralympics in Toronto. Here are some highlights from the Games.
Alpine Skiing
Lauren Woolstencroft of North Vancouver, BC won her fifth gold medal of the Games in Alpine Skiing on Saturday. Woolstencroft had a time of 2 minutes 22.67 seconds in a race that included a super-giant slalom in the morning and a slalom in the afternoon. With this gold medal, Woolstencroft set the record for the most gold medals won by any Paralympian at a single Games.
The 28 year old, who was born without legs below her knees and no arm below her left elbow, began skiing at the age of four and began racing as a teenager. After the 2002 Paralympics in Salt Lake City, she was nicknamed the “golden girl” after winning two gold medals and one bronze medal.
Viviane Forest of Edmonton also won her fifth gold medal of the games in Alpine Skiing for the visually impaired. Forest finished her race in 2 minutes 35.94 seconds in an event that combines a super-giant slalom and a slalom race. In addition, Karolina Wisniewska, 33, from Vancouver won the bronze medal after finishing her race in 2 minutes 35.47 seconds.
Wheelchair Curling
Canada’s wheelchair curling team won the gold medal after beating Korea 8-7 in a close match. Canadian Curling athlete Jim Armstrong lead his team to the top spot after the final rock, thrown by Armstrong, slid down the ice and smashed one of two Korean rocks out of the ring. It was a very close game as both teams were tied throughout the match, but the last rock thrown by Armstrong averted a tie and secured the gold medal win.
Men’s Ice Sledge Hockey
In men’s sledge hockey, Norway proved to be too strong for Canada after beating the Canadians 2-1 in the bronze medal match. Canada’s Adam Dickson opened the scoring in the third period. Later in the match, Norway was awarded a penalty shot after Dixon covered up the puck with his gloves in the Canadian goal crease. Unfortunately Norwegian defenceman Eskil Hagen, scored the winning goal, leaving the Canadian hosts out of the medals.
In total, Canada won 19 medals including 10 gold, five silver, and four bronze. This put Canada in third place for total number of medals won.
On Sunday, the Paralympics came to a close before a crowd of thousands gathered at the Celebration Plaza in Whistler, BC.
