(Photo: CBC)
TESERO, Italy — March 11, 2026 — Natalie Wilkie (Salmon Arm, BC / Ontario ties) proved why she is considered the backbone of Canada’s Para Nordic program by capturing the gold medal in the women’s individual standing biathlon. In a grueling race that saw many favorites struggle with the high-altitude shooting range, Wilkie remained perfect on the mats, crossing the finish line well ahead of her rivals from Norway and the United States.
This gold medal was the first for the Canadian delegation in Milan and set the tone for a successful week on the trails. Wilkie followed up her victory with a silver in the cross-country sprint and a bronze in the 10km classic, completing a “medal rainbow” (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) at a single Paralympic Games for the second time in her career.
Athlete Insight: Wilkie began her skiing career after losing four fingers in a high school shop class accident. Because she skis without poles, she relies entirely on her leg power and core stability to navigate uphill climbs. Her unique “no-pole” style has become iconic in the sport and has inspired a new wave of adaptive skiers across Canada and the Great Lakes region.