Canada and France name athletes for Rio 2016

Canada announced their Paralympic triathlon and table tennis teams, whilst France nominated five triathletes for September’s Paralympic Games. 13 Jul 2016

Yannick Bourseaux is a French athlete in IPC Nordic skiing and para-triathlon

ⒸITU

By Canadian Paralympic Committee and French Paralympic Committee

Canada nominated four triathletes and one table tennis player to be part of their Paralympic delegation, whilst France announced that five triathletes will join the 124-strong Rio 2016 team.

Canadians Stefan Daniel (men’s PT4), Chantal Givens (women’s PT4) and Christine Robbins (with guide Sasha Boulton in the women’s PT5) will make up the Paralympic triathlon team. Olympic triathlete Carolyn Murray will lead it as head coach.

“Representing Canada has always been extremely rewarding, but going to the Paralympics is going to be a totally new and exciting experience,” said Daniel.

“I have dreamed of representing Canada at the highest level, and I could not be more excited to do it in Rio.”

Givens also shared her excitement: "Growing up, I had the mindset of being the best that I can be and to not be afraid to work for it.

“My dad had told me that we appreciate things more the harder we work for them, and I can definitely say that I appreciate this opportunity.”

World No. 10 Stephanie Chan will be Canada’s sole representative in table tennis at Rio 2016. She qualified after winning gold in the women’s singles class 7 at the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games.

‘’This is the first time that we ever had a player ranked in the top-10 competing at the Paralympic Games,’’ said table tennis head coach John MacPherson.

“Stephanie has the potential for excellent results in Rio and I know she will be an inspiration to those who follow her in the future.’’

Table tennis at Rio 2016 will be contested at the Riocentro Pavilion 3 from 8-17 September.

France also announced their triathlon Paralympic team for Rio 2016, which will be comprised of five athletes: Gwladys Lemoussu (women’s PT4), Elise Marc (women’s PT2), Stephane Bahier (men’s PT2), Yannick Bourseaux (men’s PT4) and Maxime Maurel (men’s PT4).

Triathlon will make its Paralympic debut at Rio 2016, where it will be contested at Fort Copacabana between 10 and 11 September.

Canada table tennis

Stephanie Chan

Canada triathlon

Stefan Daniel

Chantal Givens

Christine Robbins (with Sasha Boulton)

France triathlon

Gwladys Lemoussu

Elise Marc

Stephane Bahier

Yannick Bourseaux