PARALYMPICS:

Fog postpones Paralympic downhill

March 13, 2010 — The Canadian Press

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WHISTLER, B.C. — An expected medal haul turned into a long, frustrating wait as a heavy fog forced postponement of the alpine ski events during Saturday's opening day of competition at the Paralympic Games.

At least four Canadian skiers were expected to climb on the podium at Whistler Creekside. But a thick blanket of fog crept over the mountain just as the races were set to start.

A large crowd, many weaving Canadian flags, waited as the race time was pushed back. Finally, after about 2.5 hours officials decided to scrub the event.

"Super frustrating," said Lauren Woolstencroft of North Vancouver, B.C., a gold-medal favourite in the women's standing downhill.

Chris Williamson of Markham, Ont., said it was a day of hurry up and wait.

"I'd like to get it over and done with," said Williamson, who skis in the visually impaired class. "It's an outdoor sport. You have to get used to it."

In other events, Canada's sledge hockey team opened defence of its Paralympic gold medal with a 4-0 victory over Italy. Meanwhile, both Brian McKeever of Canmore, Alta., and Mark Arendz of Calgary missed the podium in biathlon.

In wheelchair curling, Canada opened its tournament with a 7-2 victory in seven ends over Great Britian.

The Canadian wheelchair curlers are going for a second straight gold medal.  SRC