Canadian Paralympic Committee CEO acknowledges dip in medal standings, calls for added investment

Canadian Paralympic Committee CEO Karen O'Neill acknowledges the team’s showing at the Milano-Cortina Winter Games wasn't the same as past years.

Canada finished eighth in the gold-medal standings with just three. As for total medals, Canada placed sixth (four silver, eight bronze). At the 2022 Beijing Games, Canada had 25 medals and eight gold, finishing third in the gold-medal standings for a fourth consecutive Paralympics.

O'Neill was quick to say how proud she was of the group, while also citing factors such as "accidents and injuries," along with Russia being back in the fold. The Russians earned 12 medals, with eight gold -- only China (15 gold) and the United States (13 gold) finished ahead.

"A little bit different but still really, really pleased with how the team has done," O'Neill said. "I would say it's also testimony to how quickly and how evolving the competitive level is around the world for the Paralympics right now.

"I'm going to say we've had a record number of top-five, top-eight [finishes] and it's just a really good moment to see how much the world is catching up and also what the competition levels look like."

As for the future, O'Neill emphasized the importance of making strong performances "repeatable." She pointed to first-time medallists in judging the strength of the talent pool, as well as top-five and top-eight finishes.

But one matter, which has been a hot topic in national sporting circles, also earned a mention.

Canadian skier Kalle Eriksson and guide Sierra Smith win 3rd medal of Milano-Cortina Paralympics

"Continuing with what we're doing, investment is going to be key," O'Neill said. "We're grateful incredibly for the government investment and corporate investment, but we