Paralympic athletes to keep an eye on at Paris 2024
As the Paralympic Games Paris 2024 approach, Canada is buzzing with enthusiasm. The recent successes of our Paralympic athletes are generating growing expectations for an even bigger medal haul than in Tokyo in 2020. Here's a look at the performances to watch:
According to analyst and Paralympic champion Benoît Huot, Canada is gearing up to shine in Paris, particularly in swimming as well as track and field.
At the Para Athletics World Championships in Paris, Canada won 14 medals, its best result since 2013. Meanwhile, at the Para Swimming World Championships in Manchester, the Canadian team won 19 medals, its best performance in 13 years.
Canada will rely on trusted veterans such as swimmer Aurélie Rivard, from Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, and Brent Lakatos, from Dorval, who contributed to nine of Canada's 21 medals in Tokyo. Aurélie climbed the podium five times, winning two gold medals, while Brent Lakatos, a wheelchair racer, won four silver medals.
Young talents are also emerging, such as Nicholas Bennett, a 19-year-old prodigy in swimming, who shone at the last world championships with numerous gold medals. Tess Routliffe, forced to miss the last Paralympics Games due to an injury, is back and ready to take up the challenge in Paris.
Benoît Huot mentions that, while relying on veterans, more and more Canadian athletes have the potential to stand on the podium in 2024, thanks to the exemplary commitment of the national team. These Canadian athletes embody national pride and are ready to push their limits at the Paralympic Games Paris 2024.
