Canada’s youngest medallist at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, Natalie Wilkie was also its winningest with two gold, one silver, and one bronze.
Competing at her second Games at the age of 21, Wilkie captured gold in both the women’s standing long distance (15km) and sprint cross country races, silver in the middle distance (10km), and bronze as part of the 4x2.5km mixed relay alongside Collin Cameron, Emily Young, and Mark Arendz.
“It feels pretty special to be recognized for my performance in Beijing, which feels like so long ago, but also like it was yesterday,” said Wilkie on winning Best Female Athlete. “Probably my favourite part of my Games experience was the atmosphere of Team Canada. Everyone was so stoked and excited for each other. Whatever performance we had, it was a performance for Canada, and that really united everyone. It was really cool to be a part of.”
No longer a rising star, the now seven-time Paralympic medallist is firmly one of the best in the sport.
Beijing 2022 Canadian Paralympic Sport Awards
Best Paralympic Debut by a Female Athlete – Lisa DeJong
Best Paralympic Debut by a Male Athlete – Tyler Turner
Best Team Performance – Wheelchair Curling
Best Male Athlete – Brian McKeever
Best Female Athlete – Natalie Wilkie
The Canadian Paralympic Sport Awards recognize outstanding athlete and team performances at the Paralympic Games. For more information visit Paralympic.ca/Sport-Awards.
