March 17, 2016 (Vuokatti, Finland) – Emily Weekes put together her second straight top-five finish at the IPC World Cup finals in Vuokatti, Finland – this time in the cross-country skiing sprint race. Weekes, who was fourth yesterday in the biathlon distance race, qualified for the classic-skiing sprint finals to lead the Canadian charge on Thursday. The 24-year-old rookie proved she can regularly contend in all race categories and distances where she is contending with many of the top names in the sport.

“Emily led the way for us again today, and showing steady development,” said Robin McKeever, head coach, Canadian Para-Nordic Ski Team. “The classic sprint is a bit of a tough test for Emily, but she faired well today and skied strong.”

Oleksandra Kononova, of the Ukraine, won the women’s standing division. Her teammate, Liudmyla Liashenko was second to cross the line, while Russia’s Anna Milenina sprinted to the bronze medal.

Brittany Hudak, of Prince Albert, Sask., also qualified for the head-to-head heats in the women’s standing class, but did not advance beyond the opening semifinal round where she placed ninth.

Coming off a fourth-place finish in the biathlon distance race yesterday, Mark Arendz of Hartsville, P.E.I., didn’t have the gas to get him into the final round. Arendz placed seventh overall in the men’s standing division.

Russia’s Vladislav Lekomtsev won the gold in Arendz’s classification.

Chris Klebl, of Canmore, Alta., qualified for the heats in the men’s sit-ski division, but his day came to an end in the semifinals where he finished 12th. Derek Zaplotinsky, of Smokey Lake, Alta., did not qualify.

Maksym Yaronvyi, of the Ukraine, won the final men’s sit-ski sprint of the season.

The IPC World Cup Finals continue on Friday with the cross-country skiing distanc races.

For complete results, please visit here.