Thurston reflects on Olympic experience
Gold medal winning wheelchair curler Jon Thurston described his time in northern Italy as “magical” and “incredible.” He spoke to Kawartha Lakes Weekly about the warm welcome he’s received in central Ontario and his plans, which may include returning to the Paralympics in 2030.
“Italy did a great job hosting. The scenery was spectacular. We were right in the heart of the mountains. The thousands of volunteers working the Paralympics were so welcoming,” Thurston said.
He said that the training site Team Canada used in Brunicio, Italy and the actual curling facility that hosted the competition were beyond first class.
“The crowds were large and enthusiastic. They were very much what you might expect at a soccer game.”
When asked if the Canadians had much time for sightseeing, Thurston said that once the event began, they were competing all the time. Fortunately, the team had arrived in Italy a week ahead of time to get acclimatized and focused on the curling competition and a few opportunities availed themselves that week for some Italian leisure time.
“Everything was spectacular,” Thurston said. “We took a gondola ride up the mountain. It was sunny and there were blue skies everywhere we looked. The television did not do Cortina justice. The athletes’ village was right in the heart of Cortina and you woke up every day surrounded by the mountains on all four sides.”
About the competition itself, Thurston was impressed by the level of curling skill displayed by all the teams involved.
“The Koreans and the Norwegians stood out as teams that were a bit of a surprise. The Koreans made the playoffs, and after a tough start the Norwegians almost rallied. There were a lot of close games. That’s the way that it is right now in the top tier of wheelchair curling.”
When he got home, Thurston got to drop the ceremonial puck at a Peterborough Petes game. There was also a celebration at the Bobcaygeon Curling Club, where he trains, not to mention a reunion “with members of my extended family.”
Thurston was asked if his curling season is done until August but he said there’s still the possibility of a high-profile exhibition opportunity in Toronto in mid-April. This is part of the new professional curling circuit called the Rock League, but nothing had been confirmed.
Thurston said he’d like to skip Team Canada someday but is currently focused on learning from his teammates and improving his curling skills.
As for the next Paralympics in France in 2030, Thurston said that was a given.
“I would be super-excited to represent my country in 2030 as part of Team Canada.”
