Arendz Wins World Cup, Wilkie Second in Women's Standing

Canadian Para Biathlete Mark Arendz Wins World Cup Title

Canadian Mark Arendz capped off a dominant season by winning the men's overall World Cup title in standing para biathlon. The 35-year-old from Hartsville, Prince Edward Island, secured the victory with a win in Tuesday's final race of the season in Torsby, Sweden.

Arendz, who lost his left arm in a farming accident at the age of seven, finished six seconds ahead of runner-up Alexandr Gerlitz of Kazakhstan in the standing men's pursuit final. The Canadian's clean shooting performance proved crucial, as Gerlitz missed two targets and had to ski penalty loops.

This victory marked the culmination of a remarkable season for Arendz. He previously claimed gold medals in the sprint and 12.5km races at the World Championships, along with a bronze in the pursuit. In the World Cup, he dominated the standing men's category, winning seven out of 11 races and finishing on the podium in the remaining four. His consistent performance earned him the crystal globe, awarded to the season champion, with a 153-point lead over Germany's Marco Maier.

"It feels fantastic," said Arendz. "Staying on the podium is something I'm really proud of. There are always ups and downs, but consistent shooting and skiing have been the key to success."

This World Cup title is Arendz's fourth overall, solidifying his position as a consistent force in para biathlon. He is also a decorated Paralympian, having won 12 medals, including two gold, in biathlon and cross-country skiing. His sights are now set on the 2026 Winter Games in Milan, Italy, where he aims to add to his impressive medal collection.

"I try to go into each season with the goal of learning as much as I can," said Arendz. "Every challenge is an opportunity to grow as an athlete. Once you reach a certain level of success, you have to seek new challenges to keep progressing. That's where I'm at in my career - taking in everything I can as I prepare for my fifth Paralympic Winter Games."

In the women's standing category, Natalie Wilkie of Salmon Arm, British Columbia, finished the season ranked second behind Ukraine's Oleksandra Kononova. Wilkie secured victories in both the sprint and 12.5km races before finishing fourth in Tuesday's pursuit.