Sweden Secures Bronze in Wheelchair Curling as Modin's Paralympics End Early

Sweden celebrated a significant achievement at the 2026 Paralympics by securing a bronze medal in wheelchair curling after a hard-fought 7-4 victory over South Korea. Team captain Viljo Petersson Dahl was instrumental, delivering several key stones, particularly in the pivotal sixth round where Sweden took a leading 5-2 score. Petersson Dahl expressed pride and relief after the match, stating, "We refused to go home without a medal," reflecting the team’s resilience following their narrow semifinal loss to China. This bronze brought Sweden's total to seven medals in the current Paralympics.

On the other hand, Swedish skier Zebastian Modin's Paralympic campaign ended prematurely due to worsening health issues. Modin, who had already won two bronze medals in the sprint and 10-kilometer events, was unable to compete in the relay and 20-kilometer races. The Swedish Paralympic Committee cited his deteriorating respiratory condition as the reason for his withdrawal. His career now includes nine and ten Paralympics medals respectively, marking a prolific tenure.

Meanwhile, Ebba Årsjö had to withdraw from her slalom event after crashing during the second run, dashing her hopes for a medal. Despite a strong start, her crash was a major disappointment, which she described as, "just so damn disappointing, this is my event." The slalom gold was claimed by Russia's Varvara Vorontjichina, with silver and bronze going to Wenjing Zhu of China and Michaela Gosselin of Canada.

As the Paralympics proceedings continue, Swedish athletes have showcased both moments of triumph and challenges. The wheelchair curling bronze adds to Sweden’s proud medal tally, while Modin and Årsjö's setbacks underscore the physical demands faced by elite Paralympians.