Three reasons why Mark Arendz loves skiing

The Canadian reveals his favourite things about Nordic skiing. 11 Nov 2016

Mark Arendz competes at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games

Ⓒ© Luc Percival Photography

By Tim Norris | For the IPC

Canada’s Mark Arendz may only be 26 years-old but he is already one of the most established names on the Para Nordic skiing circuit.

Following three top ten finishes in his debut Paralympic Games at Vancouver 2010, he won silver in the men’s short distance biathlon standing and bronze in the middle distance biathlon standing at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.

He added World Championship gold and a World Cup win to his collection in 2013, showing he is up there with the very best.

As Arendz prepares for the 2016-17 season, which includes the 2017 World Para Nordic Skiing Championships in Finsterau, Germany, we asked him to share his three favourite things about skiing.

The biathlon

“I love the challenge between endurance and strength in the biathlon. The combination of shooting and skiing really spoke to me early on - you can’t win if you’re just good at one or the other.”

Every race is different

“You can go to the same venue many times during your career, but each race is different. One year the course might feel easy and you feel awesome but the next might be really tough – whether that’s down to the conditions or simply your own mentality and fitness.”

The opportunities

“Skiing has given me so many opportunities. I’ve travelled the world, raced at two Games and I’m now preparing for my third. I’ve met some amazing people along the way. You can’t take these things for granted.”

Arendz will compete at the first IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup of the season in Vuokatti, Finland from 9-16 December 2016.

The 2017 World Para Nordic Skiing Championships will gather the 135 of the world’s best biathletes and cross-country skiers from 25 countries.