PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – Mark Arendz of Hartsville, PEI completed a golden hat trick this past weekend at the inaugural 18-country Para biathlon world championships.
On Saturday, the 12-time Paralympic Games medallist posted his third victory at the event winning the men’s standing sprint pursuit going 10 for 10 in the shooting range and clocking 11 minutes and 18.9 seconds.
Arendz, who lost his left arm above the elbow in a farming accident at age seven, also won the 7.5 kilometre on Wednesday and the 12.5 kilometre on Thursday,
‘’Completing an astonishing triple, taking a World Championship victory in the Sprint Pursuit,’’ wrote Arendz on his Instagram account. ‘’I put myself in a good position during the qualifying and put in an awesome performance in the Final, shooting clean and skiing a fantastic race.’’
The four-member Canadian team ended the competition with seven medals (four gold and three bronze) for fourth overall.
Also with gold this week was Natalie Wilkie of Salmon Arm, B.C., who tied for first in the women’s standing 7.5 kiometre. In the same race Brittany Hudak of Prince Albert, Sask., added bronze and she was also third with Arendz on Sunday in the team relay. Wilkie was also third in the 12.5 kilometre.
Ukraine topped the medal standings with 20 medals (8-7-5), Germany had 13 (3-6-4 ) and the U.S. eight (4-1-3)
Derek Zaplotinsky of Smokey Lake, Alta., continued his career best season with a fourth in the 7.5 kilometre sitting event. Collin Cameron of Bracebridge, Ont., was unable to compete due to a sinus infection.
Cameron hopes to be on the starting line for the Para Nordic World Cup Final which starts Wednesday again in Prince George. The other four Canadians are also entered along with:
Emma Archibald – Fall River, N.S.
Ethan Hess – Pemberton, B.C.
Christina Picton – Fonthill, Ont.
Lyne-Marie Bilodeau – Sherbrooke, Que.
Jesse Bachinsky – Kenora, Ont.
Levi Nadlersmith (Guide) – Boissevain, Man.
Leo Sammarelli – Vancouver B.C.
