Mike Sametz withdraws from Paris 2024 Paralympic Games due to injury

Para cyclist Mike Sametz (Calgary, AB) will unfortunately be unable to compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games due to an injury, the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Cycling Canada announced Sunday.    

The 28-year-old crashed in road training earlier this week. The Rio 2016 medallist had been set to make his Paralympic return after missing the Tokyo Games due to injury.   

“It’s been a chaotic few days since I had an unfortunate accident on Wednesday,” said Sametz. “I landed awkwardly on my right hip, which resulted in a fracture that required surgery. I am immensely grateful for the emergency responses on all fronts. It’s unfortunate that I will be unable to compete, but I want to congratulate my teammates on their stellar results on the track and wish them the best of luck in the upcoming road events!” 

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“Our hearts go out to Mike in his rehabilitation,” said Sébastien Travers, national Para cycling team coach. “He made a dazzling comeback after his accident in 2019, and his performances achieved in 2023 and 2024 are proof of his talent and well-deserved place on the team.” 

Sametz was a bronze medallist in the individual time trial at the Rio 2016 Paralympics Games and at the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games. 

“We are gutted for Mike to not be able to race at the Paralympic Games,” said Josh Vander Vies and Karolina Wisniewska, co-chefs de mission, Paris 2024 Canadian Paralympic Team. “We know how hard he has worked to be back in top form, and to be injured right before the Games is devastating. We wish him all the best with his recovery. He is such a strong competitor, and we look forward to seeing him back racing again in the future.”   

Sametz’s six teammates on Canada’s Para cycling team will start road competition at the Games on Sept. 4 at 8 a.m. CEST / 2 a.m. ET with the individual time trial.