When Marie-Claude Molnar raced for the last time in her career at the 2022 Para Cycling Road World Championships this past August in Baie-Comeau, Que., nearby church bells started ringing just as she crossed the finish line on that Sunday morning.
It was a total coincidence, of course, but it did signal the end of an era in Canadian Para cycling. Molnar was not only one of Canada’s best Para cyclists, she was also a trailblazer in the sport and continues to be an advocate for people with a disability and women’s rights.
Molnar competed at two Paralympic Games, highlighted by a bronze in the C4 individual time trial at London 2012. She also competed at three Parapan Am Games and multiple world championships. In 2021, she was a double world champion, taking gold in the time trial and road race. She also won the scratch race at the 2017 track worlds.
In 2005, Molnar suffered a fractured skull and other serious injuries when she was struck by a car measured to be travelling at 110km/h. Molnar started to compete at world championships and World Cups in 2009 after being crowned road race and time trial champion at her Canadian championships debut.
Below Molnar shares some of her top memories competing for Canada and what she has been up to since her retirement last year.
What did it mean to you to represent Canada at the Paralympic Games?
Representing Canada at the Paralympic Games made me proud. Competing wearing the maple leaf jersey made me feel supported by millions of people all across Canada. Each moment was unique!
What are some of your favourite memories from competing for Canada?
The eye-opening experiences.
What is your proudest sporting achievement?
The entire journey as a high performance athlete. How valuable it is to have objectives, set a plan and put it into action in order to achieve an experience you can be proud of. It's not about medals, but about a sense of belonging to a community that connects through sport, and develops useful tools that will help you go through the rest of your life.
What are you up to now?
I am a communications officer for a women-led non-for-profit environmental organization, a place that allows me to continue to grow as a person, as a responsible citizen of the world.
What is your message to athletes on the road to the Paralympic Games?
Be proud of what you have accomplished to get here.
Fast Facts
Favourite summer activity: Ride a bicycle, hiking, camping
Favourite hobby: Reading, being outdoors
Favourite emoji: Blue butterfly
Motto: Never stop being a seeker
