Checking in with Paralympians: Summer athletes start to focus on Tokyo

Canada’s Paralympians are staying busy, getting back to training, sharing their stories and opinions on social media, and more. We will check in regularly with what the nation’s Para athletes have been up to and share some of the top highlights here.

Here’s a quick look at some recent updates:

Renee Foessel is currently ranked third in the world in the F38 classification in discus. Learn how she developed to be among the top in the world in her event in this article by veteran journalist David Grossman.

Check out Part 4 of CSIO’s new article series – From Pandemic to Podium: Return to Sport, featuring CSIO’s Dr. Sari Kraft & Para-Athletics Champion Renee Foessel! Link in Bio. ⬆️ Written by David Grossman.#BuildingChampions #ReturntoSport pic.twitter.com/NYvSafeZ1z

— CDN Sport Institute (@CSIONTARIO) January 14, 2021

During the pandemic, Canadian athletes have needed to be creative to maintain their high training standards. Christina Picton, a Para ice hockey player and Para nordic skier, capitalizes on some cold weather to work on her sliding.

Rounding the corner like Canada’s Christina Picton … we are almost midway through the week everyone!@CSHWT ☃️ pic.twitter.com/KuX4NZbYBZ

— Para Ice Hockey (@paraicehockey) January 13, 2021

Meanwhile the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario reminds its athletes to follow public guidelines while training, as exemplified by wheelchair rugby player Eric Rodrigues.

Building strength and resilience, one rep at a time. Athletes like @EricRodrigues79 stay focused on their goals and overcome one challenge at a time ♿️ #CSIO #WheelchairRugby
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Please respect social distancing guidelines, mask-wearing policies, and wash your hands regularly. pic.twitter.com/VyxbVNZqLt

— CDN Sport Institute (@CSIONTARIO) January 15, 2021

Mélanie Labelle of Canada’s national wheelchair rugby team is the star in a latest advertisement for women’s clothing retailer Reitmans and its activewear line.

Thank you @reitmans for this opportunity, for making this experience as seamless and positive as can be
Accessibility will be different for many, It starts with awareness and an open discussion. #reitmans #reitmansreallyyou #representationmatters pic.twitter.com/MeT6poHP8J

— Melanie Labelle (@HeadOver_Wheels) January 15, 2021

Para swimmer Angela Marina gained some valuable experience as well as three medals, including two gold, at the 2019 Parapan American Games. Now she is chasing a spot on the 2021 Paralympic Games team.