Ottawa has a new Paralympic gold medalist to celebrate, and her name is Collinda Joseph.
The local wheelchair curling star recently sat down with CBC Ottawa Morning host Elyse Skura to talk about her incredible journey to the top of the podium at the Paralympic Games, and what it's been like coming home after one of the biggest achievements of her athletic career.
A Gold Medal Moment
Winning gold at the Paralympics is the pinnacle of Paralympic sport, and for Collinda Joseph, it represents years of dedication, training, and perseverance on the ice. Wheelchair curling demands not just technical precision but also the kind of mental toughness that separates champions from the rest of the field, and Joseph delivered when it mattered most.
In her conversation with CBC Ottawa Morning, Joseph reflected on the emotions of the victory and what it felt like to stand atop the podium representing Canada.
Coming Home to Ottawa
For Ottawa residents tuning into CBC Ottawa Morning, hearing Joseph speak about her return home was a moment of genuine local pride. Adjusting to life after a major international competition, especially one that ends with a gold medal around your neck, comes with its own unique set of challenges and joys. Joseph opened up about that transition, giving listeners a candid look at what life looks like once the spotlight of the Games begins to fade.
Ottawa has a strong tradition of producing world-class Paralympic athletes, and Joseph's win adds another proud chapter to that legacy. Local fans who followed the Games will no doubt be looking for opportunities to celebrate her achievement in the community.
Wheelchair Curling: A Sport Worth Knowing
For those less familiar with the sport, wheelchair curling follows many of the same rules as traditional curling, teams take turns sliding stones toward a target (the "house") at the far end of the ice, but with key adaptations. Athletes deliver the stone from a stationary wheelchair using a cue or their hand, and there is no sweeping involved. Strategy, accuracy, and teamwork are everything.
Canada has historically been a powerhouse in wheelchair curling on the international stage, and Joseph's gold medal performance continues that proud tradition.
What's Next
With the Games behind her and gold in hand, the next chapter for Collinda Joseph is just beginning. Whether that means more competition, community engagement, or simply taking a well-earned rest in Ottawa, the city will be watching, and cheering, every step of the way.
For anyone who missed the CBC Ottawa Morning interview, it's well worth a listen. Joseph's warmth, humility, and passion for the sport come through clearly, and it's the kind of story that reminds you why local athletes matter so much to the communities they call home.
Ottawa is lucky to have her.
Source: CBC Ottawa Morning. Interview conducted by Elyse Skura. Listen to the full segment on CBC.
