9 March 2026
Italy wheelchair mixed team pick up first win at Paralympic Winter Games
Two wheelchair mixed team sessions took place at the Paralympic Winter Games at the Cortina Olympic Stadium on Monday.
Hosts Italy were looking for their first win in their only game of the day against Slovakia in the morning. The Italians pulled out an exceptional performance in front of an ecstatic home crowd and were leading 7-0 at half time. They kept putting the pressure on Slovakia and won, 10-0, in six ends.
Afterwards, a delighted Angela Menardi said, “We’re very happy because we did what we were supposed to do and we knew we can do. So we are very-very happy.”
Italy skip, Egidio Marchese added, “Having the crowd cheering for us is like having an extra player on the ice. They were helping a lot!”
Canada had a one-game day, and with a 11-1 morning win against Latvia, they kept their perfect record on four wins and no losses.
While four players on the Canadian team have robust Paralympic experience, this was Gil Dash’s first Paralympic game. When asked about it, he said, “My first game at the Paralympics was epic! Absolutely epic! It was just so exciting, going out there with all the music, all the lights, the pre-game show that they had for us, and I felt ready!”
Latvia had another chance to score their second win of the competition when they met United States of America in the evening. And they took that chance! The Latvians were leading 8-0 at half time. Team United States switched gears in the second half and scored six points in three ends. However, United States’ Matthew Thums came up short with his last draw in the eighth, and Latvia didn’t need to throw their last to win, 8-6.
After the game, Latvian lead Elija Asnina said, “I’m really excited, it feels really nice. I got goosebumps all over my body and it’s crazy! We gave them [USA] some points, but we were hoping that we will win. It was a 50-50 chance to win or lose, and we won.
“To enjoy the games, the atmosphere, that’s the most important thing to do right now. To have fun with the team, that’s the most important goal at these Games.”
United States had had an exceptional game earlier and beat previously undefeated Sweden, 7-1, mostly due to four single steals throughout the seven ends played.
Republic of Korea played Great Britain in the morning, both teams looking for their second win at the Games. The teams were tied at 3-3 after four ends. In the fifth, Great Britain stole a single when Yang Hui Tae’s hit-and-stay attempt was unsuccessful and his shooter rolled out. Team Korea were trailing by one, playing the eighth end. Yang needed to draw to the house with his last shot to score two and win. He did just that andTeam Korea picked up their second win, 7-6.
Sweden and Great Britain were both attempting to recover from their morning losses when they met in the evening. The game was tied at 2-2 at half time. In the sixth end, Great Britain scored three to take a 5-3 lead. Sweden scored two right back to tie the game at 5-5, going into the last end. In that end, Hugh Nibloe’s tap back attempt didn’t turn out how he planned it, and Sweden stole the win, 6-5.
Afterwards, Sweden skip Viljo Petersson-Dahl reflected on their day, saying, “I feel really good now. I’m not satisfied with our performance today. Tonight we played better than against USA, but we have a little to work on tomorrow. Tonight we tried to focus on the energy in the team and stay positive, that’s how we roll usually.”
Team Korea met Slovakia in the evening, both teams attempting to score a third win. Team Korea were leading, 4-1, at half time. They kept putting the pressure on Slovakia in the second half and eventually won, 7-5.
Reigning Paralympic champions People’s Republic of China met Norway in the evening. Team China kept their strong form from Sunday and won, 11-2 in seven ends.
Canada and Team China share top spot on the rankings with four wins and no losses. At the foot of the table Norway are still looking for their first victory of the week.
On Tuesday, wheelchair curling action continues with the mixed doubles semi-finals and two mixed team round-robin sessions.
Follow the live scores from the wheelchair mixed teams at Milano Cortina 2026 here.
Follow the live scores from the wheelchair mixed doubles at Milano Cortina 2026 here.
Find the full wheelchair curling schedule and results here.
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