Darda Sales first made her mark in the sporting world as a Paralympic gold and silver medallist and world record holder in swimming. A dynamic athlete, it wasn’t until her career in the pool was winding down that she considered taking up another sport.
In 2009, Sales was on the lookout for a new challenge and the next chapter in her athletic career began after friends invited her to a local pick-up game of wheelchair basketball. She quickly became a big fan of the fast-paced, physical nature of the sport and went on to compete for Team Ontario at the women’s national championships.
Invites to try out for the national team soon followed and Sales earned a spot on the Senior Women’s National Team in 2014.
She says the opportunity to represent Canada is “the greatest honour an athlete can achieve”. With her successful background in swimming, she has a wealth of experience competing on the international stage and hasn’t ruled out making a return to the Paralympic Games, this time on the hardcourt.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
2015 – 2nd place at Parapan American Games in Toronto, Canada (Team Canada)… 2014 - 1st place at the World Championship in Toronto, Ont. (Team Canada)... Three-time Paralympian in swimming and a Paralympic gold and silver medallist in the 4 x 100m medley relay in 2000 and 2004, respectively
PERSONAL
Off the basketball court, Sales enjoys reading, singing and spending time with her three children.
NOTABLE INTERNATIONAL RESULTS
2015 Toronto Parapan American Games – Silver
2014 World Championships – Gold
2004 – Athens Paralympic Games: silver (swimming)
2000 - Sydney Paralympic Games: gold (swimming)
Medals
Games | Sport | Event | Medal |
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2007 Rio Parapan Ams | Swimming | 100m Freestyle - Women | gold |
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2007 Rio Parapan Ams | Swimming | 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay - Women | gold |
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2000 Sydney Paralympics | Swimming | 4 x 100m Medley Relay - Women | gold |
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2015 Toronto Parapan Ams | Wheelchair Basketball | Wheelchair Basketball - Women | silver |
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2007 Rio Parapan Ams | Swimming | 50m Freestyle - Women | silver |
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2007 Rio Parapan Ams | Swimming | 400m Freestyle - Women | silver |
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2007 Rio Parapan Ams | Swimming | 100m Backstroke - Women | silver |
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2004 Athens Paralympics | Swimming | 4 x 100m Medley Relay - Women | silver |
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Summary
Games |
Sport |
Event |
Result |
2016 Rio Paralympics |
Wheelchair Basketball |
Wheelchair Basketball - Women |
5 |
2008 Beijing Paralympics |
Swimming |
50m Freestyle - Women |
12 |
2008 Beijing Paralympics |
Swimming |
100m Freestyle - Women |
8 |
2008 Beijing Paralympics |
Swimming |
400m Freestyle - Women |
18 |
2008 Beijing Paralympics |
Swimming |
100m Backstroke - Women |
7 |
2004 Athens Paralympics |
Swimming |
100m Freestyle - Women |
8 |
2004 Athens Paralympics |
Swimming |
400m Freestyle - Women |
5 |
2004 Athens Paralympics |
Swimming |
100m Backstroke - Women |
12 |
2004 Athens Paralympics |
Swimming |
4 x 100m Medley Relay - Women |
2 |
2000 Sydney Paralympics |
Swimming |
4 x 100m Medley Relay - Women |
1 |
2000 Sydney Paralympics |
Swimming |
50m Freestyle - Women |
6 |
2000 Sydney Paralympics |
Swimming |
100m Freestyle - Women |
7 |
2000 Sydney Paralympics |
Swimming |
400m Freestyle - Women |
6 |
2000 Sydney Paralympics |
Swimming |
100m Backstroke - Women |
4 |
2000 Sydney Paralympics |
Swimming |
200m Individual Medley - Women |
5 |
Games |
Sport |
Event |
Result |
2015 Toronto Parapan Ams |
Wheelchair Basketball |
Wheelchair Basketball - Women |
2 |
2007 Rio Parapan Ams |
Swimming |
50m Freestyle - Women |
2 |
2007 Rio Parapan Ams |
Swimming |
100m Freestyle - Women |
1 |
2007 Rio Parapan Ams |
Swimming |
400m Freestyle - Women |
2 |
2007 Rio Parapan Ams |
Swimming |
100m Backstroke - Women |
2 |
2007 Rio Parapan Ams |
Swimming |
4 x 100m Freestyle Relay - Women |
1 |