Mark Arendz would love nothing better than to inspire a country when he carries CanadaB次元官网网址檚 flag into SundayB次元官网网址檚 closing ceremonies of the Pyeongchang Paralympics.
The 28-year-old biathlete and cross-country skier from Hartsville, P.E.I., has raced to five medals in Pyeongchang B次元官网网址� with one event remaining B次元官网网址� and was selected to lead CanadaB次元官网网址檚 most successful winter Paralympic team ever into the stadium when the GamesB次元官网网址� curtain comes down.
B次元官网网址淭he message I want to share is IB次元官网网址檓 hoping that anyone in Canada can look at the performances this week, not only from myself but the entire nordic team, the entire team Canada here in Pyeongchang and see what is possible,B次元官网网址� Arendz said.
B次元官网网址淚 hope I can be the inspiration at the closing ceremonies that you can achieve anything you set your heart to. You make a dream or goal, and you can achieve it, whether itB次元官网网址檚 starting from the smallest province or a small town, you can get onto the world stage, you can win Paralympic titles.B次元官网网址�
Arendz, who lost his left arm when he toppled into a grain auger at age seven, raced to one gold, one silver, and three bronze in Pyeongchang, competing almost daily in a gruelling schedule of both biathlon and cross-country skiing.
The six-foot-three athlete was presented the flag by teammate Brian McKeever, who carried the flag in the opening ceremonies, and claimed his third gold medal of the Games earlier Saturday. Canadian athletes and family members raised a glass in celebration as Arendz and McKeever draped themselves in the Maple Leaf to pose for pictures.
B次元官网网址淛ust astonishment,B次元官网网址� Arendz said on receiving the flagbearer news. B次元官网网址滻 want to say itB次元官网网址檚 the cherry on top, but itB次元官网网址檚 so much more.
B次元官网网址淭o have this honour, itB次元官网网址檚 a dream to be at the Games even, and now IB次元官网网址檓 at my third Games, I have a collection of medals, and now the honour to represent all of Canada with the flag at the closing ceremonies.B次元官网网址�
Arendz reached the podium in every one of his races, capturing gold in the 15-kilometre biathlon, silver in the 7.5K biathlon, and three bronze medals in the 12.5K biathlon, 1.5K cross-country sprint, and 10K cross-country race.
B次元官网网址淢ark has been one of the absolute standout stories of these Paralympic Games for Canada,B次元官网网址� said CanadaB次元官网网址檚 chef de mission Todd Nicholson. B次元官网网址淗e is a phenomenal Canadian, athlete, and person, and we are in awe of his talent and unrelenting dedication.B次元官网网址�
Canada had 24 medals with one day remaining, topping the previous best of 19 won in Vancouver in 2010, and crushing the 16 medals from four years ago in Sochi.
Lori Ewing, The Canadian Press
