During the 2024 season, Triathlon Québec enhanced its triathlon circuit by offering athletes with disabilities a “parafriendly” circuit. On this circuit, paratriathletes could take part in triathlons, duathlons, aquathlons or aquavélos. Organizers involved in the Saint-Lambert Triathlon, Gatineau Triathlon, Valleyfield Triathlon and Montreal SAIL Challenge Esprit were able to help these athletes push their limits in a safe, adapted environment.
Stephen La Salle, Vanessa Handfield, Olivier Desloges and Nelson Flamand tell us about their situation and their experience in paratriathlon.
I’m classed as a PTWC2 (Paratriathle Wheelchair 2). This means that I do my triathlons on a handcycle and in a wheelchair. My left leg has been amputated and I can’t wear a prosthesis. I also suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
During triathlons, volunteers help me out of the water and in transitions to my handcycle or wheelchair. Swimming is a new sport for me and I appreciate having lifeguards nearby.
The great support from Triathlon Québec makes my participation in triathlon so much easier. I want to be a visible demonstration to others that, whatever obstacles and challenges you face in life, with confidence and effort, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
I suffer from ataxia type 2. I have difficulty with my coordination and balance. During triathlons, I can use a cane to help me with my balance. A volunteer gives me a cane as needed during transitions.
Taking part in a training camp organized in July 2024 by Triathlon Canada enabled me to meet other people with disabilities and to be identified in the PTS5 category (Paratriathlon standing 5).
During the 2024 season, I took part in the Canadian Paratriathlon Championships in Montreal, as well as two races identified as parafriendly by Triathlon Québec, namely Valleyfield and the Challenge-Esprit in Montreal.
Doing triathlons has really been a revelation for me!
I’m visually impaired. I’m not completely blind, but I have to do my triathlons with my guide Robin Tétrault. He accompanies me in swimming and running. We cycle in tandem.
In 2024, I was lucky enough to take part in a training camp organized by Triathlon Canada. The athletes present had different disabilities. It was incredible to train with them.
The 2024 season was a busy one. I took part in Triathlon Québec’s parafriendly events in Saint-Lambert and Valleyfield, as well as Montreal’s Esprit Challenge. I also got my pass for the World Paratriathlon Series (WTPS) in Montreal.
I love the combination of the three sports and racing against people who are like me. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. That’s what I’m passionate about.
I’m a Thalidomide victim. My right arm is shorter, my wrist is crooked, I have no thumb and my crooked fingers don’t move much. My left hand has no thumb, my left wrist doesn’t move much and my neck vertebrae are fused. So I can’t turn my head.
I can’t ask for outside help during my triathlons. However, I can have a modified bike handlebar. I’m in the PTS 5 category (Paratriathlon standing 5). I’ve been racing triathlons since 1984, and I competed on the international paratriathlon circuit until 2015.
I really enjoy competing in Quebec, as it’s a way of measuring my fitness and physical health. I was among the best in my age group for a long time. A knee injury has slowed me down since 2022. I was less present on the circuit in 2024 because of bike travel. Triathlon is my way of life!
Watch for these athletes in the summer of 2025! What’s more, the Boucherville triathlon/duathlon is one of our parafriendly events!
