More than 25 years later, not a single day goes by that Patrice Bonneau doesn’t recall his experiences as a Paralympic athlete.
The Para cyclist, whose leg was partially amputated at the age of three due to a malformation at birth, was one of Canada’s most consistent international performers in the 1990s.
The highlight was gold in the men’s road race at the 1992 Paralympic Games in Barcelona. He won the race by 0.01 seconds to become Canada’s first Para cycling Games champion.
He was also the road race champion at the 1994 world championships in Belgium and took bronze in the same event at the 1996 Games in Atlanta.
He was inducted into the Quebec Cycling Hall of Fame in 2007.
Below we check in with Bonneau on his favourite memories and see what he’s up to now:
What did it mean to you to be able to represent Canada at the Paralympic Games?
It was the achievement of a lifetime. Even now, I still think about it every single day. To see our flag raised and to hear our national anthem after winning the gold medal in Barcelona is without a doubt the most powerful emotions I have ever felt.
What are some of your favourite memories from competing for Canada?
I was training in a sport that was mostly popular in Europe. Europeans thought it was cute to see a Canadian on the start line next to them, but they didn’t take me seriously.
My first international race was at the Barcelona Games. I came as a surprise to most of my opponents and their attitude toward me changed drastically after the race. I also remember that to race in Europe between 1992 and 1996, I was travelling alone for weeks, getting in planes with two bikes, a set of spare wheels, a pump, and a toolbox on top of my suitcase.
I always explained that I was a member of the Canadian national team and that I was travelling to Europe to represent our country. I never had to pay for additional baggage!
What is your proudest sporting achievement from your career?
My gold medal in Barcelona was my biggest sports achievement, but I’m also very proud to be the reason why the Fédération québécoise des sports cyclistes got involved in the Paralympic movement. Canada became a top player in Para cycling and I feel like I played my part in it.
What are you up to now?
I’ve been a lawyer since 1998 and I still ride my bike for thousands of kilometres every year.
What message would you like to share to current athletes on the road to the Tokyo Paralympic Games?
Have fun and enjoy every moment. A career in sport goes by so quickly. Be proud to represent our country.
Fast Facts
Favourite winter activity: Cross-country skiing to stay in shape until bike season!
Hero: Ryder Hesjedal, the first Canadian cyclist to have won a Grand Tour (Tour of Italy)
Favourite Emoji: Smiley face
Favourite Hobby: Biking, forever and always
Favourite Motto: Carpe Diem – Live in the moment
Each month ‘where are they now’ will feature a different member of the Canadian Paralympic alumni community to hear some of their favourite memories and check in to find out what they’re up to now.
Past Editions:
Simon Richard – Goalball
Kirstie Kasko – Para Swimming
Paul Clark – Para Athletics
Tim McIsaac - Para Swimming
