Mark Arendz is one of Canada’s most successful para-athletes, specializing in para Nordic skiing and biathlon. Over his career spanning four Paralympic Winter Games from 2010 to 2022, he has amassed a remarkable total of 12 Paralympic medals: two gold, four silver, and six bronze. His standout performance came at the 2018 PyeongChang Games, where he set a Canadian record by winning six medals in a single Games—one gold, two silver, and three bronze—earning him the honor of carrying the Canadian flag at the Closing Ceremony.
Arendz’s journey began after a farming accident at age seven resulted in the loss of his left arm above the elbow. Despite this, he pursued competitive sports from a young age, initially competing in able-bodied events with a ski prosthetic before focusing on para Nordic skiing and biathlon. Inspired by the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, he transitioned to biathlon, where he has excelled internationally.
His Paralympic gold came in the men’s 15-kilometre biathlon standing race at PyeongChang 2018, where he was perfect in shooting and finished with a time of 42:52.2. He has continued to perform at a high level, winning three medals at the 2022 Beijing Paralympics and multiple medals at recent World Championships, including gold in the men’s standing 7.5-kilometre biathlon at the 2025 Para biathlon World Championships, which he described as a “test run” for the 2026 Paralympic Games.
Looking ahead, Arendz is committed to competing at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, which would be his fifth Paralympics. He aims to remain competitive and has not ruled out continuing beyond 2026, potentially to the 2030 Games. His recent success includes winning the men’s overall World Cup crown in standing Para biathlon for the 2024-25 season, demonstrating his sustained elite performance.
In summary, Mark Arendz is a decorated Canadian para Nordic skier and biathlete with 12 Paralympic medals, including two golds. He is preparing for the 2026 Paralympics with strong recent performances, aiming to add to his impressive medal tally and continue his legacy as one of Canada’s top para-athletes.