Arendz Misses Gold by Seconds | Biathlon Canada
Canada’s biathletes are demonstrating increasing strength on the international stage, with recent successes spanning Olympic competition, World Cup events, and youth championships. The nation’s athletes are receiving increased support, including significant funding aimed at bolstering grassroots development and accessibility within the sport.
At the recent Olympic Winter Games in Antholz-Anterselva, Italy, four Canadian biathletes – Adam Runnalls, Zachary Connelly, Logan Pletz, and Benita Peifer – qualified for the pursuit race, achieving a top-60 finish in their respective sprint competitions. Pascale Paradis, also competing in Italy, achieved a personal best finish in her Olympic debut, blending traditional skiing techniques with the precision of biathlon shooting. The Canadian team also secured 17th place in the Olympic mixed relay event.
These Olympic performances follow a strong showing at the IBU Youth & Junior World Championships. Mia Rodger achieved a career-best seventh-place finish in the youth women’s 6-kilometre sprint race in Arber, Germany. Canada is set to field a team of 16 athletes at the 2026 IBU Youth Junior World Championships, also in Arber, Germany, from February 28 to March 8, led by Olympian Jasper Fleming.
The success isn’t limited to younger athletes. Mark Arendz, a prominent Para biathlete, has been in exceptional form. According to the IBU, Arendz has not missed a target this season, securing four wins in five biathlon races as of January 30, 2025. He recently notched a second gold medal at the Para biathlon World Cup, building on a previous victory. Arendz’s success is attributed to a dedicated team effort, including the crucial support of his brother, Menno Arendz, who serves as his shooting coach and also coaches the Canadian Para Nordic national ski team.
Arendz’s victory in the men’s 7.5km sprint standing race at the IBU Para Biathlon World Championships in Pokljuka, Slovenia, on , was particularly close, with a winning margin of just 1.2 seconds over Germany’s Marco Maier. He described the race as “very tight,” acknowledging the fierce competition.
Natalie Wilkie also achieved a golden sweep alongside Arendz at the Para biathlon World Cup, further demonstrating Canada’s strength in the Para biathlon discipline.
Biathlon Canada is actively working to expand access to the sport. The organization recently announced , that it will receive $660,000 over two years from the Government of Canada’s Community Sport for All Initiative. This funding will support over 30 clubs and community organizations in delivering inclusive, accessible, and year-round electronic biathlon programs. This initiative aims to broaden participation in biathlon across Canada, making the sport more available to a wider range of individuals.
Biathlon, a demanding winter sport combining cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, requires a unique blend of physical endurance, precision, and mental fortitude. Canada’s recent successes suggest a growing depth of talent within the nation’s biathlon program, supported by both governmental investment and a strong team ethos. The emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility, as highlighted by the Community Sport for All Initiative, signals a commitment to fostering the next generation of Canadian biathletes.
The Canadian Paralympic Committee has been instrumental in supporting athletes like Arendz and Wilkie, providing resources and opportunities for them to compete at the highest level. The dedication of coaches, family members, and support staff, as emphasized by Arendz, underscores the collaborative nature of success in elite sport.
The upcoming 2026 IBU Youth Junior World Championships in Arber, Germany, will provide another platform for Canada’s emerging biathletes to showcase their skills and compete against the world’s best young talents. The continued investment in grassroots programs and the support for established athletes like Fleming and Rodger suggest a promising future for biathlon in Canada.