Two of the most successful athletes in the history of the sport have claimed the British Curling Wheelchair Mixed Doubles title at Stirling’s National Curling Academy, beating the host nation representatives in the final.
Two-time Paralympic and three-time World Champion Ina Forrest teamed up with fellow Paralympic and World Champion Mark Ideson to go unbeaten through the event before overcoming Scotland’s Gregor Ewan and Charlotte McKenna in the final. 
Their victory meant the title was retained by Canada with compatriot Colinda Joseph, who had been one half of last year’s winning team, this time partnering Jon Thurston to third place.
“It feels good to be taking the title back to Canada again,” said Ideson.
“We have really enjoyed our time here in Scotland playing in the team event at the Stirling International and then straight into this event.
“We love coming here because they are both great events and it’s great to get this win.
“Playing against Charlotte and Gregor is always good fun and we have built a great friendship and camaraderie among our wheelchair curling group over the years so it is always nice playing with our peers.”
Having enjoyed such success in the team game, Ideson noted that a new emphasis is now being placed on the mixed doubles discipline since the decision to introduce it into the Winter Paralympics at Milan-Cortina in 2026.
“There is a press on now with the mixed doubles with the upcoming Paralympics,” he said.
“It’s a challenging event and it’s nice that everyone has embraced it and everyone is putting in a lot of time and effort to ensure they put on a good show at the Paralympics.
“The teams that make it there will be ready for the event.
“All we can ask is that we put in our best effort and prepare as best we can and we will put our best team forward for Milan, but we will be back competing here before then 100% as we love it here in Scotland.”
For McKenna there were mixed feelings after finishing runner-up for a second successive time, having reached the final with Gary Smith a year ago and she believes the British Curling squad is building well towards Milan-Cortina.
“It was really good to get through to another final with a different partner this time especially against Canada, with Mark (Ideson) and Ina (Forrest) who have obviously medalled so many times,” she said.
“So it was a really good challenge and one we were up for but we came up a bit short but I think we gave them a good game. 
“A few shots here and there cost us but we can hold our heads high and I am pleased we got to the final.
“I am used to playing with Gary who I played at the Worlds with this year and he partnered me here last year, but it has been great getting teamed up with Gregor (Ewan).
“All of the guys on the programme are great and whoever you play with you have to figure things out and support each other, so it has been an enjoyable experience and good to bounce back after disappointment at the Stirling International.”
High Road final: Canada Red v Scotland 9-4
High Road 3-4 game: Canada white v Switzerland 1 8-6
Please click here for results and line scores.
