Discover Greatness: Six Athletes to Watch at Paris 2024

As the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games approach, the world will witness extraordinary talent, determination, and the pursuit of greatness from Canadian athletes. Through our Discover Greatness series, presented by Groupe MACH, we highlight six standout members of the Canadian Paralympic Team who are set to make their mark in Paris.

Alison Levine
Boccia (Montreal)

A trailblazer in the world of boccia, Alison Levine is a force to be reckoned with. A two-time gold medallist at the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games, Alison had the honour of being Canada’s closing ceremony flagbearer at the Games. She made history as the first woman to be ranked No. 1 in the world in the boccia BC4 category. As she prepares for her third Paralympics at Paris 2024, Alison continues to break barriers, both on and off the court. Her engaging and humorous TikTok videos have earned her a devoted following, and she uses her platform to passionately advocate for Para sport and accessibility.

Nicolas-Guy Turbide
Para Swimming (Quebec City)

Nicolas-Guy Turbide is no stranger to the podium, having secured a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. As he heads to his third Paralympic Games in Paris 2024, Nicolas will serve as co-captain of the Canadian swimming team, a testament to his leadership and experience. A visually impaired swimmer, Nicolas has been named Swimming Canada’s Male Para Swimmer of the Year five times. Interestingly, his journey in the pool began as a way to overcome his fear of water and improve his golf game that has now evolved into a decorated swimming career.

Jonathan Vermette
Wheelchair Basketball (Sherbrooke)

Since making his international debut in 2014, Jonathan Vermette has become a cornerstone of the Canadian Men’s National Wheelchair Basketball Team. His journey includes competing at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and now the upcoming Paris 2024 Games. At the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games, Jonathan played a pivotal role in securing Canada’s bronze medal and qualification for Paris. Jonathan’s story is also one of family; he shares a special bond with his twin brother Philippe, who is four minutes younger. The duo has always played on the same team, a tradition that began with their father founding a wheelchair basketball club in Sherbrooke.

Brent Lakatos
Para athletics (Dorval)

Brent Lakatos is a name synonymous with excellence in Para athletics. As one of Canada’s most decorated Para athletes, Brent is set to make history at Paris 2024 as only the third Canadian to compete in six summer Paralympic Games. With a gold medal from Rio 2016 and a total of 12 Paralympic medals, Brent stands among the elite group of Canadian summer Paralympians with more than 10 medals. His journey into wheelchair racing was inspired by Canadian Paralympic legend André Viger, and after just eight months of training, he qualified for the Athens 2004 Paralympics. Brent’s legacy in the sport continues to grow, and Paris 2024 promises to be another chapter in his storied career.

Élodie Tessier
Wheelchair basketball (Saint-Germain-de-Grantham)

Élodie Tessier is preparing for her second Paralympic appearance at Paris 2024, following a strong debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Her leadership and skills were instrumental in helping Canada qualify for Paris 2024. Introduced to wheelchair basketball by a school friend, Élodie has since become a two-time Parapan American Games medallist. Known affectionately as ‘Didi,’ Élodie shares a close bond with her twin sister Jess, who remains her biggest supporter and best friend. Élodie’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and the power of family.

Anthony Letourneau
Wheelchair rugby (Boisbriand)

Anthony Letourneau is a rising star in the intense world of wheelchair rugby. After making a notable impression at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, where he scored seven tries across four games, Anthony is now focused on leading Canada to success at Paris 2024. As one of the world’s top 2.5-point players, Anthony discovered wheelchair rugby in 2014 and made his international debut for Canada in 2017. His journey to the sport is marked by resilience; before becoming a quadriplegic due to a hockey accident, Anthony was a versatile athlete excelling in hockey, tennis, and soccer. As we cheer them on in Paris 2024, their stories remind us of the incredible power of sport to transform lives and bring people together. The Discover Greatness series, presented by Groupe MACH, celebrates these remarkable individuals and their journey to the Games.