Stefan
Daniel

Stefan Daniel is a Canadian Para triathlete from Calgary, Alberta, who will represent Canada at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, marking his third appearance at the Games. Born on February 22, 1997, Daniel has bilateral radial club hands, a congenital condition that affects the development of the radius bones in his forearms, with his right arm being more severely impacted. Despite this, he has not let his disability limit him, consistently excelling in his sport.

Daniel first gained international attention by winning his first world title in Para triathlon in 2015. He went on to win a silver medal at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, becoming the first Canadian to medal in triathlon at the Paralympic Games. He continued his success with a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. Throughout his career, Daniel has been a dominant figure in the sport, capturing multiple world championship titles, including five consecutive golds from 2015 to 2019, and another in 2022.

In addition to his achievements in triathlon, Daniel is also an accomplished cross-country runner. He competed for the University of Calgary Dinos, contributing to the team’s U Sports titles in 2018 and 2019. Daniel’s athletic journey is a testament to his resilience and determination, as he competes at the highest levels of his sport while managing the challenges posed by his disability​​​​​​​​​​.

Outside of his athletic pursuits, Daniel has a close-knit family, including his brother Christian, who has cerebral palsy and has also competed in Para swimming at a national level. Stefan credits his brother as a significant source of inspiration, teaching him to never let challenges limit his potential. Daniel graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Commerce in 2023, balancing his academic and athletic commitments. His parents, who have a strong background in endurance sports, have been instrumental in his development as an athlete. Daniel continues to be an advocate for inclusivity in sports, using his platform to inspire others facing similar challenges​​​​.