Canada earns two bronze medals on opening day of competition at Paris Paralympics
PARIS — Aurelie Rivard didn’t get the gold, and saw her world record get beaten. But winning a career 11th Paralympic medal with a performance she can be proud of was enough for the star swimmer.
The 28-year-old from Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., finished third in the women’s S10 50-metre freestyle as medal competition began Thursday at the Paralympic Games.
Rivard’s medal, along with a bronze in track cycling from Calgary’s Kate O’Brien, led to a solid opening day for Canada at the multi-sport event which will see over 4,000 athletes with physical, visual and intellectual impairments compete in 22 sports.
“I’m a little disappointed about the time, but I can’t be really disappointed about the result,” Rivard said. “It was such a great experience. The other two girls gave amazing performances. I have no control over them.