Canadian Paralympic Committee CEO calls for more investment after dip in medals

Canada finished eighth in the gold-medal standings with just three. As for total medals, Canada placed sixth, with four silver and eight bronze.

Canadian Paralympic Committee CEO Karen O’Neill acknowledged Canada’s showing at the Milan Cortina Paralympics wasn’t the same as past years.

Canada finished eighth in the gold-medal standings with just three. As for total medals, Canada placed sixth (four silver, eight bronze). In comparison, Canada had 25 medals, with eight golds, at the 2022 Beijing Games, finishing third in the gold-medal standings for the fourth consecutive Paralympics.

O’Neill was quick to say how proud she was of the group, while also citing factors such as “accidents and injuries,” along with Russia being back in the fold. The Russians earned 12 medals, with eight gold — only China (15 gold) and the United States (13 gold) finished ahead.

“A little bit different but still really, really pleased with how the team has done,” O’Neill said. “I would say it’s also testimony to how quickly and how evolving the competitive level is around the world for the Paralympics right now.

“I’m going to say we’ve had a record number of top-five, top-eight (finishes) and it’s just a really good moment to see how much the world is catching up and also what the competition levels look like.”

As for the future, O’Neill emphasized the importance of making strong performances “repeatable.” She pointed to first-time medallists in judging the strength of the talent pool, as well as top-five and top-eight finishes.

But one matter, which has been a hot topic in national sporting circles, also earned a mention.

“Continuing with what we’re doing, investment is going to be key,” O’Neill said. “We’re grateful incredibly for the government investment and corporate investment, but we certainly need to invest more if we’re going to continue to perform on the world stage.