Six-time Paralympic champion Aurélie Rivard has hometown pool renamed in her honour

Photo: Claude Raymond, Aurélie Rivard, Andrée Bouchard, Benoit Huot

ST-JEAN-SUR RICHELIEU, Que. – Aurélie Rivard, Canada’s 13-time Paralympic Games medallist in Para swimming, saw the pool where she developed her world class skills named in her honour on Monday in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., situated a half hour drive from downtown Montreal.

The pool was previously named the Complexe sportif Claude-Raymond in honour of the Canadian baseball trailblazer who ended his career in the early seventies with the Expos. Raymond, 87, was present at the ceremony.

‘’I spent most of my life at this facility which symbolizes personal growth, inclusion, and excellence for me,’’ said Rivard, just back from a triple medal performance including one gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.  

‘’Never could I have imagined that one day my name would be immortalized in this way, marking the history of my city.’’

Rivard’s illustrious career is headlined by 13 Paralympic medals over the last four Games (2012 to 2024) which includes six gold. Born with a hand disability, Rivard currently holds the world record in the S10 100m, 200m and 400m freestyles.

Her best Paralympic Games was at Rio 2016 where she won gold in the 50m, 100m, and 400m freestyle, setting two world records, and serving as Canada’s flag bearer for the Closing Ceremony.

In addition to her Paralympic prowess, she’s collected 19 world championship medals, making her the most decorated Canadian woman in Para swimming world championships history.

Rivard, a 28-year-old law student at Université Laval, says all that success couldn’t have happened without community support.

‘’I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the unwavering support of my hometown throughout my career,’’ said Rivard. ‘’Whether through institutions or individuals I have encountered along the way, everyone has helped lift me to reach the top.’’

City mayor Andrée Bouchard says naming the pool for Rivard reflects the impact of her athletic achievements and the motivation she offers to the community.

‘’She embodies determination, excellence, and perseverance,” said Bouchard. ‘’Her career is so remarkable that her name deserves to be part of our local heritage.’’