The tension was so unbearable, Mark Arendz couldn’t watch.
First across the line in the staggered start at the 2014 Sochi Paralympics, the 24-year-old para-biathlete had laid down an impressive time of 19:14 on the 7.5-kilometre sprint course, shooting 9/10 in the process, Saturday (March 8).
Missing the podium would be a tough pill to swallow after four years of hard work. Making it would mean a place in Canadian history.
“Crossing the finish line first, to save my nerves, I decided not to watch what the rest of the field was doing. It wasn’t until after the race (coach) Robin McKeever came in and said I was in second and it was close,” Arendz said.
The silver medal para-biathlon performance is a first in Canadian history and the first of Arendz’ young career.
“It was huge and a great relief. I know my shape is really there,” Arendz said. “I’m really pleased with my first medal and now I’m hungry for more.”
He finished a mere .07 seconds behind gold medal winner Vladislav Lekomtcev of Russia. Arendz was running in fourth for most of the race, but put on a hard charge in his final lap.
“My goal was to execute a perfect race plan and clean shooting, stay on focus with my goal,” Arendz said.
He made a small mistake on his first trip to the range, but his shots rang true on his second bout.
“I missed that one target just slightly. I thought I had it, but a twitch of the finger and I just missed it. I wasn’t far off. I told myself to fight hard on that penalty loop to get over the penalty and finish strong.”
As was seen in the 2014 Winter Olympics, warm temperatures dominated the day. Trail crews had to salt the course, which has several tough uphills and technical downhills, which Arendz handled well.
“The course suits me well,” he said. “Today the downhills were pretty good.”
He wants to earn three medals while in Sochi, and has to be careful to conserve his energy, since he’s racing both biathlon and cross-country ski races for Canada. He had an illness scare early on, but is now soaking up Sochi life.
“It’s very impressive. There are great conditions and everything is well organized. The volunteers are very friendly and it’s amazing to see how much work has been done since we were here last year (for the test event,)” Arendz said.
Brian McKeever is the only other Canadian to win a para-biathlon medal. He and guide Robin McKeever won bronze in 2006.
