Kelowna athlete aims big at Beijing Paralympics

A Kelowna Paralympian will go for gold in Beijing after coming close with two medals in Pyeongchang four years ago.

Emily Young, a Para Nordic skier, will compete in the biathlon, cross country, and team relay events in the standing classes.

In 2009, while training for the Canada Summer Games, a wrestling accident left her with a dislocated elbow and separated shoulder. This led to severe nerve damage, running from her neck down to the fingers on her right arm, which prevents her from straightening her elbow.

She and other members of the Para Nordic team are in Canmore for training before taking off to China on Feb. 25.

Young said she’s lucky to have some familiarity with what’s to come in Beijing, having competed in the same categories in South Korea in 2018. She returned with a silver and bronze medal.

Many of her teammates also competed at that Games. Together, they won 16 medals.

“We had great energy, everyone was doing really great,” she said.

Originally from North Vancouver, Young moved to Kelowna for better all-year training and now proudly calls it home.

“I love the community, especially coming from a city that is way bigger. There is a community feel here,” she said. “I’m proud to represent not only Canada, but also the Okanagan and Kelowna.”

Despite having one Paralympic Games under her belt, Young is more nervous now than at the same time four years ago.

“Now we have an expectation, and we know what it’s like. There’s a bit of fire and hunger for what you strive for and what you know your potential is,” she said. “I think if I can give 100 per cent in every race I do, I will be so happy with whatever outcome that is.”

In the 2021-22 season, Young took home a silver medal in the 10 km biathlon and bronze in the 12.5 km at the World Cup in Canmore.

The Paralympic Games run from March 4 to 13.