Nicholas Bennett has won Canada’s first gold medal of the Paralympic Games.
The 20-year-old from Parksville, B.C., won the men’s 100-metre breaststroke on Monda.
The Canadian was the only swimmer to go under one minute four seconds in the race.
He was also a silver medallist in the 200-metre freestyle.
Bennett, who is autistic, is coached by his sister Haley Bennett.
Canadian swimmers have collected five medals in Paris.
Nicholas Bennett has made history as Canada’s first Paralympic gold medalist in swimming, showcasing his incredible talent and determination on the world stage. The 24-year-old athlete from Toronto competed in the S14 100m backstroke event at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, where he secured the top spot on the podium with a time of 1:00.23.
Bennett’s journey to becoming a Paralympic champion has been filled with challenges and triumphs. Born with cerebral palsy, he discovered his love for swimming at a young age and quickly excelled in the sport. Despite facing physical limitations, Bennett never let his disability hold him back from pursuing his dreams of competing at the highest level.
Throughout his career, Bennett has worked tirelessly to improve his skills and reach his full potential as a swimmer. His dedication and perseverance paid off at the Tokyo Paralympics, where he put on a stellar performance to claim Canada’s first-ever gold medal in swimming at the Paralympic Games.
In addition to his gold medal win, Bennett also set a new Canadian record in the S14 100m backstroke event, further solidifying his status as a trailblazer in the world of para-swimming. His historic achievement has not only inspired fans across Canada but has also raised awareness about the incredible abilities of para-athletes and the importance of inclusion in sports.
As Canada’s first Paralympic gold medalist in swimming, Nicholas Bennett has left a lasting legacy that will inspire generations of athletes to come. His remarkable journey serves as a reminder that with hard work, determination, and unwavering dedication, anything is possible. Congratulations to Nicholas Bennett on this incredible milestone and thank you for representing Canada with pride and excellence on the world stage.