Where are they now: Multi-sport Paralympian Chris Daw

Daw competed in three different sports at four Paralympic Games
Chris Daw

Chris Daw put his name in the Canadian sports history books as one of its most versatile athletes.

The Strathroy, Ont. resident competed in wheelchair racing, wheelchair rugby, and wheelchair curling over four Paralympic Games appearances. He was also on Canada’s sitting volleyball team at the 2007 Parapan American Games in Rio and dabbled in just about every conceivable Para sport available at the time.

He won gold in his Games debut at Stoke Mandeville, England in 1984 as a member of Canada’s wheelchair racing relay team and also competed in track in 1988. Daw helped Canada to fourth spot in wheelchair rugby at the Sydney 2000 Games and capped his career as a gold medallist in wheelchair curling at Turin, Italy in 2006 – the first time the sport featured at the Paralympic Winter Games. 

Below we check in with Daw as he looks back on some of his favourite memories from his impressive career. 

What did it mean to you to represent Canada at the Paralympic Games? 
A dream. I was able to represent Canada a number of times and every time it was an overwhelming sense of pride and responsibility.

What are some of your favourite memories from competing for Canada?  
It always was the ability to make new friends for life and to be able to create connections around the world that I still enjoy today.

What is your proudest sporting achievement?  
Most people think it’s the gold in Torino, and that’s great and all, but making the winning shot in the semis against Norway was my proudest moment. It was a tough shot but more than winning that match was knowing I was going home with a medal. Silver or gold really did not matter to me. The fact I was going home as one of the best in the world was what mattered.

What are you up to now? 
I work with the department of National Defence in logistics. It is as much of an honour to work with this great group of people as it was to represent Canada at the Games. In a way I am still representing Canada.

What is your message?
Never let your passion outweigh your patience. Work hard, stay true, stand up for yourself, and never give up. It will happen.

Fast Facts 
Current favourite TV show: Reacher
Favourite summer activity: Fishing and camping
Hero: Bill Murray
Celebrity you’d like to meet: Sylvester Stallone
Favourite emoji: Wink and kiss  
Favourite hobby: Shooting
Motto: “Fear not! Who dares, wins!

Daw graphic en g