Canada has bounced back in spectacular fashion at the Paris Paralympic Games, doubling its gold medal count from the Tokyo Games with a total of 10 golds, the most since Beijing 2008. Canada’s overall medal haul of 29 also matched its performance in Rio 2016, far surpassing the 21 medals won in Tokyo.
“The success in Paris feels more like a return to form for our athletes,” said Karen O’Neill, CEO of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. “This really is a crossroads for Canada, as we aimed to stop the downturn of reduced performance, especially in summer sports, after the challenges posed by COVID-19.”
The pandemic had a profound impact on para sports, with Canada’s strict restrictions and a lack of international and domestic competition making preparation for Tokyo more difficult. Canadian athletes, however, came to Paris fully prepared, with swimming and track and field leading the charge, contributing 22 of the country’s 29 medals, including all 10 gold.
Nicholas Bennett of Parksville, B.C., had a breakout performance, winning two gold medals and a silver in swimming. Reflecting on his experience, Bennett said, “The atmosphere was incredible, so loud I could barely hear my own thoughts. I’m going to dream of these memories every night probably for the rest of my life.”
Brianna Hennessy of Ottawa made history by securing Canada’s first Paralympic medal in canoeing, earning a silver. Hennessy, chosen to carry Canada’s flag in the closing ceremony alongside Bennett, remarked on the broader significance of the games, saying, “We’re representing more than just our country, we’re representing the movement of people with disabilities.”
The women’s sitting volleyball team also made history, winning bronze—Canada’s first Paralympic medal in a team sport since 2012.
Another standout performance came from Victoria’s Cody Fournie, who won two wheelchair racing events after a decade in wheelchair rugby. This flexibility is part of Canada’s strategy, allowing athletes to transfer between sports to maximize medal potential. “Like most top nations, we rely a bit on athlete transfer,” said Catherine Gosselin-Després, CPC’s chief sport officer.
For the first time, Canada’s Paralympians will receive bonus payouts for their medal achievements, on par with Olympic athletes. Gold medalists will earn $20,000, silver $15,000, and bronze $10,000, supported by an $8-million endowment fund.
As the 2024 Paris Paralympics come to a close, O’Neill expressed hope that Canadians would recognize the achievements of their athletes. “I hope that witnessing the power of these Paralympics will demonstrate the diversity of our country and the shared strength we have in sport.”