Mark Arendz wrapped up the final day of the Para Biathlon World Cup with another gold medal, completing a perfect two-for-two in Val di Fiemme, Italy on Thursday.
The Hartsville, P.E.I., native once again shot clean and clocked in 17:41.7 in the men's standing 7.5-kilometre sprint, holding off China's Cai Jiayun by 9.8 seconds. Ukraine's Serhii Romaniuk secured bronze, finishing 12.7 seconds behind, while Germany's Marco Maier missed the podium by just less than four seconds.
Despite winning 10 of his last 11 races since the start of last year, the 34-year-old refuses to see himself as untouchable, recognizing the depth and the fierce competition.
"There's always something to work on," Arendz said after claiming his second gold in the past two days.
"There are four or five guys right behind me making it really competitive, so I never take anything for granted."
With back-to-back races, the four-time Paralympian was still adjusting to the time difference, making his victory even more impressive.
"Yesterday was a long day and jet lag made it feel even longer, so this morning I just focused on seeing how things played out," he said.
"I tried to control what I could, learning different tactics along the way."With three gold medals on opening day from Arendz, Derek Zaplotinsky (Smoky Lake, Alta.), and Brittany Hudak (Prince Albert, Sask.), the Canadians proved they are in peak form heading into their next challenge — the Para Biathlon world championships in Pokljuka, Slovenia, from Feb. 4-9.
Para biathletes will return to competition on February 6 when the sprint events kick off, and Canada will look to top the podium once again.