ÖSTERSUND, Sweden – When Collin Cameron skied across the finish line, winning his first-ever biathlon gold medal at a major championship, he knew his late father was watching over him that day.
Days before Cameron and the rest of Team Canada flew to Östersund, Sweden, for the 2023 Para Nordic Skiing World Championships, the biggest competition since last year’s Beijing Paralympics, he was in Ontario where he grew up, visiting his father, David, for the final time.
“My father became ill very suddenly,” said Cameron. “I hadn't actually seen him in a few years, so when my brother called me from home only a few days before we were supposed to leave for Sweden, and told me the news that he didn't have long, I made the trip to Ontario and was able to make it there in time before he got any worse and was still able to be awake to know I was there. I got to say goodbye with my brother.”
The six-time Paralympics medallist made a tough decision and chose to return to Canmore following David’s passing in mid-January, to prep for Sweden between Jan. 18-27. It’s what David would have wanted. Cameron’s father always supported him and his dreams to succeed in sport.
The first world championship race was the 7.5-km biathlon sprint – a sport that requires target shooting and skiing. For 34-year-old sit-skier, he has a weird relationship with shooting, whereas, the less he shoots less in training the better he shoots in competition.
In the build up to the season, the team was without a biathlon coach until well into October, so he hadn’t been shooting much prior to the start of the season.
In the biathlon sprint, Cameron’s skiing was there, but there was still a question mark around his shooting. However, he was “quick and shot beautifully” going nine-for-10 on the range. He could afford the one missed shot and opened up a massive 40-second lead by the time he hit the finish line.
For someone heavily focused on the cross-country sprint, it was a nice surprise to win biathlon gold at a world championship. Cameron knew what to do following the victory.
“It was a no brainer to dedicate my first biathlon win to him,” said Cameron of his late father. “I know he was watching over me that day.”
Cameron would go on to win two silvers in cross-country events throughout the week; despite missing two races after getting pretty sick following the huge win.
Brian McKeever, who took over the reins of Canada’s Para nordic skiing head coach in 2022, said Cameron showed incredible composure. Even after getting sick, Cameron was able to perform at a high-level.
“He came back, not healthy, and gutted out a heck of a good final 10-km to finish second [in the 18-km cross-country],” said McKeever. “He’s a tough boy, and I’m incredibly proud of how he’s handled everything and the circumstances. You can’t teach that and it shows his strength of character.”
Cameron said he gives a lot of credit to the tight-knit Para Nordic ski team, especially McKeever, and his girlfriend and Para nordic skier, Christina Picton.
The event was highly successful for Team Canada, which brought home a record-setting 16 world championship medals.
“To be a part of this team and contribute to the success that was world championships 2023 is a really special feeling,” said Cameron.
“I'm honoured to be a part of that and to continue growing with this team and group of amazing people. I can't wait to see what the next few years have in store.”
