Quick facts

Birthdate

November 15, 1984

Hometown

Port Elgin, ON

Residence

Port Elgin, ON

Sport

Para Athletics

Experience

Beijing 2008

Rio 2016

Toronto 2015

One of Canada’s most successful international wheelchair racers, three-time Paralympian Josh Cassidy added three silver medals to his collection in 2015 at the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games. He was second in the T54 800m, 1500m and 5000m.

In 2019, Cassidy competed in three races (800m, 1500m, 5000m) at the IPC World Championships in Dubai but did not advance past the first round in either one.

Cassidy was born in Ottawa and grew up living across Canada while his father worked in the military, until settling in Port Elgin, Ont. He grew up as the oldest of 10 children, and played sports from an early age. Cassidy’s idol growing up was Patrick Roy. He learned how to adapt and play goalie in hockey, his number one love in sports.

Paralympian Jeff Adams inspired Cassidy to participate in wheelchair racing with his performances at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

2008, 2012, 2016 Paralympic Games… 2015 Parapan American Games… World’s fastest marathon – 1:18:25 (Boston 2012) … Winner 2012 Boston Marathon, 2010 London Marathon and 2012 Chicago Marathon… 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games … 2006, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2019 IPC World Championships.

PERSONAL

Cassidy graduated from Sheridan College with a BAA in Illustration… His other passion is working on his creative projects in art, music, and writing… Cassidy’s legs were partially paralyzed as a result of neuroblastoma in the spine/abdomen as an infant.

NOTABLE INTERNATIONAL RESULTS

  • 2016 Paralympic Games 5000m 10th
  • 2015 Parapan Am Games 800m 2nd
  • 2015 Parapan Am Games 1500m 2nd
  • 2015 Parapan Am Games 5000m 2nd
  • 2014 Commonwealth Games 1500m 4th
  • 2013 World Championships 10000m 3rd
  • 2012 Boston Marathon 1st
  • 2012 Chicago Marathon 1st
  • 2012 Paralympic Games 800m 5th
  • 2010 Commonwealth Games 1500m 3rd
  • 2010 London Marathon 1st
  • 2008 Paralympic Games 5000m 10th