Once a Paralympian, Always a Paralympian: Three Paris Team Members Reflect on the Games

The Paralympic Games represent the ultimate expression of dedication, talent, and perseverance in Para sport. At a special celebration in Ottawa, Ontario, members of the Canadian Paralympic Team will be honoured with a prestigious ring to commemorate their participation in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Presented by Teck, a proud partner of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, these Paralympic Rings serve as a powerful symbol of each athlete’s extraordinary achievement in earning the title of Paralympian and representing Canada on the world stage.

For Trinity Lowthian, Nathan Clement, and Whitney Bogart, the Paris 2024 Paralympics marked unique and deeply personal moments in their sporting journeys: a first, a second, and a final Games.

Trinity Lowthian: A Rising Star’s Debut

For Wheelchair fencer Trinity Lowthian, her first Paralympic Games was a whirlwind of discovery and pride. Reflecting on receiving her Teck Paralympic Ring, Trinity shared she was still dreaming about her Games debut.

 “It still doesn’t feel real. I think it’s just really special to have a way to look down, feel the ring, and remember these positive moments,” Trinity said.

Trinity’s path to Paris was anything but ordinary. Having only taken up wheelchair fencing two years ago, her journey has been one of remarkable resilience.

“I was always drawn to niche sports before I got sick, and wheelchair fencing was not a popular sport in Canada, so naturally, I had to try it,” she said with a smile.

The Games in Paris offered her more than just competition.

“Coming to the village, I connected with other Para athletes who share similar interests,” Trinity shared. “Meeting strong women like those on the Sitting volleyball team widened my circle in a way I didn’t imagine.”

But her achievements in Paris were about more than medals. They were a tribute to her journey from long hospital stays to proudly representing her country as a Paralympian.

“I think of little Trinity, and I just say, ‘Go girl!’ I’m so proud of her for making it through to who I am today.”

Nathan Clement: The Spark That Ignited a Dream for the Second Time

Nathan Clement, a silver medalist in Para cycling at Paris 2024, experienced a profound sense of accomplishment as he stood on the podium.

“This is the medal to win. This is the medal to earn,” Nathan said reflecting on his triumph.

Paris marked Nathan’s second Paralympic appearance, his first being in Para swimming at the Rio 2016 Games before retiring from the sport before the Tokyo 2020 Games.

“Both experiences are among the greatest feelings I could have ever asked for,” he said.

 Cycling through the streets of Paris, Nathan was struck by the electrifying energy.

“You’re in a forest by yourself for minutes, and suddenly you hear this roar of support. It was incredible,” Nathan recalled.

Nathan’s journey back to the Paralympics was sparked during a bikepacking trip in British Columbia.

“Climbing a steep hill in Okanagan Falls, I felt that little spark of competitive fire reignite,” he shared.

That fire carried him through to a silver medal in Paris, a victory he dedicated to his family.

“Seeing my mom, knowing the sacrifices my parents made after my stroke at two-and-a-half, made it all the more special. This medal is not just mine—it’s ours.”

Whitney Bogart: A Fitting Farewell to an Illustrious Career

For goalball veteran Whitney Bogart, Paris 2024 marked the end of a 20-year journey.

“London was my first Games, and Paris my last. Both were such fun, memorable competitions,” she reflected.

The evolution of the Paralympic Movement over her career is something she holds close to her heart.

“When I started, goalball and the Paralympics weren’t well known. Now, if you say you’re a Paralympian, people know what that means,” she said.

Whitney’s career has been defined by an unbreakable bond with her teammates.

“We’re the closest team I’ve ever been part of. They’re like a second family,” she shared.

Her Teck Paralympic Ring symbolizes that connection and the sacrifices she’s made, including missing her children’s birthdays to compete.

Although retiring, Whitney is embracing her new role as a mentor.

“I used to be the young athlete looking up to the older players. Now I’m the one helping the next generation. That’s the legacy I want to leave.”

From Trinity’s debut to Nathan’s reignited spark and Whitney’s farewell, the stories of these Canadian Paralympians are united by their grit, determination, and pride in representing Canada. As Whitney aptly put it, “You’re always a Paralympian. You get to own that for life.” For these athletes, these Teck Paralympics rings they received for representing the nation at the Paris 2024 Games are more than jewellery, they’re a reminder of the journeys they’ve undertaken, the people who supported them, and the legacy they’ll carry forever.