Canadian athletes deliver on promise

PARIS What looked like a bounce back for Canada at the Paralympic Games was more of a return to form.

- DONNA SPENCER

Canada’s 10 gold medals in Paris were the country’s most since 19 in Beijing in 2008, and also doubled their output at the Tokyo Games three years ago. The 29 medals overall matched Rio in 2016, and far surpassed the 21 in Tokyo.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected para sport more than able-bodied sports, with competitions decimated. Canada’s tight restrictions added a layer of challenges for Tokyo hopefuls on top of adapting to their events.

Canadian athletes showed what they could do in Paris with more optimal preparation.

“I would say it’s a bit of a bounce forward,” Canadian Paralympic Committee chief executive Karen O’Neill said Sunday. “This really is a crossroads for Canada because what we wanted to do was stop the downturn of our reduced performance, especially in summer sport, that’s been evidenced over the last couple of quads.

“COVID was tough for both our Olympians and Paralympians, but it was markedly tougher for our Paralympians because so many additional supports and services were not available.”

Women’s sitting volleyball players hold hands after winning Canada’s first Paralympics medal (bronze) in a team sport since 2012.

Canada tied for 15th (with India) in total medals, and tied for 11th in gold with Germany and Uzbekistan among 168 countries.

Canadians stood on the podium in seven sports. Swimming and track and field led the way with a combined 22 medals, including all 10 gold.

“They had a really good mix of new and more veteran athletes being able to perform on the highest stage,” said CPC chief sport officer Catherine Gosselin-Després. “That’s been really refreshing to see in these two big sports that are so important in the Paralympic Games.”

Swimmer Nicholas Bennett of Parksville, B.C. had a breakout Games with two gold medals and a silver.