Checking in with Paralympians: Tokyo on their minds

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: 

Two Canadian Para swimmers were in the news last week. 

First, three-time Paralympian Katarina Roxon talks about missing her support group at the Games this summer due to travel restrictions.

So grateful to everyone for your love and support over the years and leading into these #Tokyo2020NE games! Knowing I have my family, an entire province and country behind me, will definitely push me forward! Thank you all!♥️ @LeonardRoxon @NLtweets https://t.co/fTtBYwZnDF

— Katarina Roxon (@Katarina_Roxon) March 28, 2021

While Roxon earned her ticket to Tokyo at the 2019 World Championships, Regina’s Krystal Shaw is overcoming challenges to gain her spot at the 2020 Team Trials in May.
 

WATCH: Restrictions were eased to allow carded Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls to train with their teams, but the time spent out of the pool is putting pressure on one Regina swimmer hoping to make it to Tokyo — via @allisonbamford.
READ MORE: https://t.co/oWRGUqq7Ko pic.twitter.com/K1pnjLLwvf

— Global Regina (@GlobalRegina) March 24, 2021

Running Magazine caught up with world record holder Nathan Riech to talk about how he keeps redefining his limits in his quest for gold at the Paralympic Games.

ICYMI: In this episode of #TheRundown we’re joined by IPC World Champ Nate Riech @NateGraywolf. Nate recently broke his own T38 1500m World Record and now has his sights set on Tokyo Gold! @CanadianRunninghttps://t.co/DSz1CX9JFd

— The Shakeout Podcast (@ShakeoutPodcast) March 22, 2021

Also, in the hunt for a spot on the Tokyo team is Para canoeist Mike Trauner. Injured while serving in Afghanistan, Trauner was inspired to pursue sports following his accident after a meeting with Prince Harry.

Trauner still needs to secure a quota spot for Canada but has his sights set on the Paralympics in Tokyo and then Paris in 2024.@CDNParalympics @Tokyo2020 https://t.co/2y15AHJ4Ap

— Paralympic Games (@Paralympics) March 27, 2021

Members of the 2006 Para ice hockey Paralympic Winter Games team recalled their golden performance in Torino.

Can’t believe it’s been 15 years! Amazing to see how much the sport has grown since then. That means it’s been over 17 years since @HockeyCanada took over our program! Their continuous support and leadership has pushed our program, and sport, to places I never thought possible! https://t.co/YT5ATyjReK

— Billy Bridges (@BillyBridges18) March 18, 2021