What matters most is how well we walk through the fire and through the Flames; I have achieved remarkable milestones surpassing expectations in my journey, demonstrating dedication and perseverance.
Despite experiencing a stroke as a toddler, I refused to let it define me. In my journey, I have become a Paralympian, world champion, public speaker, and world traveller.
From a young age, sport was my passion, where I learned the value of hard work and determination. Coaches recognized my commitment and propelled my sports career forward.
That trust vaulted me onto the para-swimming national team in 2014, marking a significant milestone leading me to represent Canada in international races, including the Toronto 2015 Para Pan Am Games, where I captured a bronze medal in the S7 50-Meter Butterfly. The pinnacle of my swimming career was wearing the Maple Leaf in the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, a tremendous honour as I was named team captain. The games were highlighted as I placed 7th in the S6 50-meter Butterfly.
Following the Rio Paralympics, I departed the sport and took some personal time on a 6-month backpacking journey through 18 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. During this time, my passion for experiencing cultures and storytelling exploded, creating a dream of connecting the two through bikepacking.
Upon my return home, I started transitioning to cycling, culminating in a bikepacking expedition of 1000 km across British Columbia from Fernie to West Vancouver in 11 days.
Through my trip, my competitive fires re-ignited as I transitioned my targets to represent Canada in Para-Cycling. In the summer of 2022, my dream was realized as I qualified for the UCI Para-Cycling World Cup and UCI Para-Cycling World Championships, winning silvers in my debut events.
Consistency and excellence defined the 2023 Para-Cycling season, culminating in winning the UCI Para-Cycling World Championships in the T1 Time Trial. Later in the season I won gold at the 2023 Para Pan Am Games finishing my first full season with the national team, reaching the podium seven times at five race events.
Beyond sports, I contribute to television and radio, focusing on para-sports and community events. Through presenting, writing, editing, and conducting interviews, I share stories illuminating the power of accessibility and disability in sports and everyday life.
Driven by a genuine desire to empower athletes and individuals, I have become involved in public speaking. Speaking on various subjects such as sports, disability, and mental health, I have shared my experiences with universities,high schools, sports teams, Jack.org events, and Canadian Paralympic Committee functions.
With a belief in inclusivity, I strive to help current and future generations of disabled people reach their dreams in and out of sport while making a more accessible Canada.
