December 16, 2018 (Vuokatti, Finland) – Canada’s Mark Arendz put a silver lining around the opening biathlon race of the IPC World Cup season in Vuokatti, Finland on Saturday. The eight-time Paralympic medallist from Springton, P.E.I. took advantage of great skis and a solid day of shooting to clock a time of 34:39.2 in a 12.5-kilometre nail biter.

“It was a great way to start the biathlon season. It was a tight race the whole way through. I skied solid and I’m so happy with my overall performance,” said the 28-year-old, who competed in the men’s standing classification.

Knowing his body was in medal-winning shape following a golden performance in the men’s standing cross-country ski distance race on Wednesday, the three-time Paralympian dialed in on his shooting Saturday.

“Most my focus went into the shooting in all four bouts on the range. I knew staying clean throughout the race would be key,” added Arendz. “I felt very comfortable on the range and it resulted in a great day of shooting.”

Norway’s Nils-Erik Ulset topped the sharp-shooting Canuck to claim the gold with a time of 34:18.1 despite missing one shot in his third stop at the range. Benjamin Daviet, of France, skied to the bronze medal at 35:17.4 (1+0+1+1).

Other Canadian biathlon performances included. Derek Zaplotinsky, of Smokey Lake, Alta., finishing seventh in the men’s sit-skiing race with a time of 46:49.8 (1+0+1+0). Brittany Hudak, of Prince Albert, Sask., also finished seventh in the women’s 10-kilometre standing race with a time of 36:19.8 (0+0+0+0).

The IPC World Cup continues on Sunday in Finland with the cross-country ski sprint races.

Results here.