Canada’s Paralympic Glory: Cycling Triumphs and Unyielding Spirit
Canadian athletes have once again showcased their incredible talents and determination at the recent Paralympic Games in Paris, bringing home several bronze medals in track cycling. Among these remarkable athletes is Keely Shaw, who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her sport. Shaw competed in the Para Track Cycling Women’s C1-5 500m Individual Time Trial Final at the Parapan Am games in Santiago, Chile, on November 23, 2023. Supported by the Canadian Paralympic Committee, Shaw faced off against other athletes with disabilities, embodying the spirit of perseverance and excellence that defines the Paralympic movement.
Shaw’s journey to the podium was not without its challenges. She had to navigate a series of administrative hurdles, including receiving instructions through email to create a new password for accessing important information. Despite already having an existing password, the process proved cumbersome, highlighting the often-overlooked obstacles that para athletes must overcome beyond their physical training. The Canadian Paralympic Committee emphasized the importance of staying informed through their newsletters, which are published weekly, ensuring that athletes and supporters alike remain connected and updated on the latest developments.
The competition itself was fierce, with Shaw pushing herself to her limits. In the end, her efforts were rewarded with a bronze medal, a testament to her skill and determination. This achievement is particularly significant as it adds to her previous successes, including a bronze medal at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021. Shaw’s story is one of resilience and inspiration, serving as a beacon of hope for other para athletes and individuals with disabilities. Her accomplishments underscore the vital support provided by the Canadian Paralympic Committee, which continues to champion the cause of para sports in Canada.
On August 30, 2024, Canadian cyclists had a record-setting day, with wins and podium finishes across various events within a span of just six hours. Rafaëlle Carrierin secured a silver medal in the junior women’s XCO at the Mountain Bike World Championships, finishing just 36 seconds behind Slovakia’s Vikoira Chaladoñova. Meanwhile, Keely Shaw continued her impressive run by clinching a bronze medal in the women’s C4 individual pursuit at the Paralympic Games. Shaw’s performance was a marked improvement from her 10th place finish in the 500m time trial the previous day, showcasing her determination to excel.
Shaw’s race was described as a ‘pure mind game,’ reflecting the mental fortitude required to compete at such a high level. Her bronze medal finish, just 1.647 seconds ahead of Samantha Bosco of the USA, was a moment of triumph that brought immense joy to Shaw and her supporters. The day also saw success for the Holmgren sisters, Isabella and Ava, who both won medals in the Under-23 Women’s XCC event. Isabella took gold, while Ava secured bronze, adding to the celebratory atmosphere for Canadian cycling.
Another notable performance came from Alexandre Hayward, who earned a bronze medal in the C3 men’s individual pursuit. Hayward, a road and time trial specialist, expressed pride in his performance and acknowledged the motivation he drew from being part of a team with Olympic and Paralympic legends. The day’s achievements were further bolstered by Mike Woods, who won the third stage of the Vuelta a España, making a solo move on the final climb to secure victory. Woods’ win was particularly sweet after a challenging season marred by illness and bad luck.
Canada’s men’s wheelchair basketball team also faced significant challenges at the Bercy Arena in Paris. Led by Vincent Dallaire, the team encountered a tough crowd and formidable opponents, including the USA, at the Commonwealth Games. Despite the intense competition and the pressure of a hot and intimidating audience, the team persevered, ultimately winning a silver medal in the 3×3 men’s wheelchair basketball event. Their success is a testament to their resilience and dedication, qualities that are emblematic of Canada’s Paralympic athletes.
In addition to the basketball team’s achievements, Canadian cyclists Colin Higgins, Robert Hedges, and Vincent Dallaire contributed to the country’s medal tally with two more bronze medals at the Paralympics. These victories highlight the strength and determination of Canadian athletes, who continue to represent their country with pride and excellence. The recognition and coverage of their achievements by various media outlets further amplify the impact of their success, inspiring future generations of athletes.
The Paralympic Games are a global showcase of athleticism and determination, featuring participants from countries around the world. This year’s events included competitors from Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, and many more. The diversity of participants underscores the universal appeal and significance of the Paralympic movement, which brings together athletes from different backgrounds to celebrate their abilities and achievements.
Among the standout performers at the Paralympics was Keely Shaw, a well-accomplished graduate of the University of Saskatchewan (USask). Shaw’s bronze medal in the women’s 3,000-metre individual pursuit C4 event was a highlight of her second consecutive Paralympic Games. Her journey to this achievement included completing her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD at USask, followed by a post-doctoral position at the University of Calgary. Shaw’s academic and athletic accomplishments are a source of pride for her alma mater and an inspiration to others.
Shaw’s path to success was driven by her desire for redemption against American competitors and her commitment to showcasing the progression of para sports. Her family and friends were able to attend the Paralympic Games in Paris, adding a personal touch to her victory. Shaw’s impressive para-cycling career includes multiple world cup and world championship medals, as well as her two bronze medals at the Paralympic Games. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the support of a dedicated community.
Another USask alum, Jacob Wassermann, made his Paralympic debut in the PR1 para-rowing single sculls event. Despite facing difficult competition, Wassermann finished in 10th place overall, demonstrating his potential and determination to improve in future Paralympic Games. Wassermann’s journey from surviving the 2018 Broncos bus crash to competing on the international stage is a powerful narrative of resilience and hope.
USask alumna Julie Kozun also competed at the Paralympics, participating in the women’s sitting volleyball semifinals. Although her team fell to China, they earned a spot in the bronze medal match against Brazil. Kozun and her team aim to improve upon their fourth-place finish in the 2021 Paralympics, showcasing their commitment to excellence. Other USask alumnae and para-swimmers, including Shelby Newkirk and Nikita Ens, competed in the mixed 4x50m medley relay, adding to the university’s proud representation at the Games.
Keely Shaw and Alexandre Hayward’s bronze medals in track cycling are significant achievements for Canada at the Paris Paralympics. Both athletes overcame early setbacks in their lives to excel in their sport. Shaw, from Saskatchewan, and Hayward, from New Brunswick, had initially harbored dreams of hockey stardom, only to pivot to cycling after life-changing injuries. Their stories of resilience and adaptation are inspiring, highlighting the transformative power of sports.
Shaw’s bronze medal in the 3,000-metre individual pursuit, achieved with a personal best time of 3:46.942, is a remarkable feat. She credits her ability to tune out her body’s warning signals as a key factor in her success. Similarly, Hayward’s bronze medal in his Paralympic debut is a culmination of 12 years of hard work and determination. Competing in the C3 classification, Hayward defeated Spain’s Eduardo Santas Asensio by over three seconds, underscoring his competitive spirit.
As Shaw and Hayward prepare for upcoming road cycling events, their achievements in track cycling serve as a source of motivation and pride. Shaw, now a doctor and professor, has successfully balanced her academic and athletic careers, proving her resilience and dedication. Both athletes’ stories are a testament to the power of perseverance and the support of a dedicated community. Their successes at the Paris Paralympics are a celebration of their hard work and the broader Canadian Paralympic movement.