Tyler Turner fastest in Para snowboard cross qualifying

CORTINA – Reigning Games and world champion Tyler Turner posted the fastest times on both runs in Saturday’s seeding round in Para snowboard cross at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.

Turner, Canada’s first Games champion in the sport four years ago, posted his best time on his second run in the men’s lower limb (SB-LL1) category at 51.72 seconds. Chris Vos of the Netherlands was second in 53.05 and Junta Kosuda of Japan third in 53.36.

‘’The course is wild and fast,’’ said Turner, from Campbell River, B.C. ‘’It’s not super technical, but you need to manage the conditions as it gets warmer and warmer throughout the day.’’

Turner doesn’t plan to overthink Sunday’s do-or-die races. Racers compete in heats of four with the top two advancing until the Big Final for the medals.

‘’My plan tomorrow is the same as always: go out and have fun. If I get caught up in the racing, intensity and excitement, then my performance could be hindered. I’m good at living in the moment.’’

Chase Nicklin of Port Alberni, B.C., in his Games debut, was 15^th.

Other Canadian results saw Alex Massie of Barrie, Ont., and Philippe Nadreau of Blainville, Que., finish eighth and 10th in the men’s SB-LL2 category, while Sandrine Hamel of St-Sauveur, Que., placed 10th in the women’s event.

‘’It’s just a blast to ride here,’’ said Massie at his third Games. ‘’I’m a little bit calmer now, less worried about results and just trying to take it all in.

‘’Who knows, these could be my last Paralympics.’’

All five Canadians are in the playoff round which will determine the medals on Sunday.