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Cody Fournie of Canada Wins Gold in Wheelchair Racing at the Paralympics
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    Cody Fournie of Canada Wins Gold in Wheelchair Racing at the Paralympics

    PARIS — When Cody Fournie was at a crossroads in his athletic career, he headed for the track.

    The former national wheelchair rugby team player captured wheelchair racing gold Tuesday at the Paralympic Games in Paris.

    The 35-year-old from Victoria won the men’s T51 200 metres for Canada’s second gold medal in Paris after Nicholas Bennett’s swimming gold the previous evening.

    “During COVID I was in a transition period and not really knowing what I was going to do,” Fournie explained Tuesday.

    “I didn’t know how much longer rugby was going to go for me. I just ran into someone and they directed me to coach Geoff (Harris) and everything else is history.”

    Fournie posted the fastest 200 of his career with a time of 37.64 seconds.

    “It feels really good. All I can say is the hard work, the nutrition and the hydration has paid off,” the Canadian said.

    Silver medallist Toni Piispanen of Finland finished in 38.55 and bronze medallist Peter Genyn of Belgium in 38.65.

    Fournie earned a silver medal in the 100 metres in May at the world para athletics championship in Kobe, Japan.

    He competes in that race Friday at Stade de France.

    “The 200 metres has always been a very difficult thing for me,” Fournie said. “My coach and I just kept working on it. During the first 100 metres of the 200 metres, we just worked on a different style of push and it paid off.

    “It was just short spurts quickly and then I was able to get into my long strides.”

    A quadriplegic since the age of 11, Fournie started playing wheelchair rugby in 2010 before switching to the track just over a decade later.

    “The transition from rugby to racing helps because I was putting so much time and effort into training,” he said. “What was the most difficult part about racing was getting this chair figured out.

    “With not having any stomach muscles, I had to use my head to change the direction of the chair and that took quite a while to figure out.”

    Fournie’s medal was Canada’s third in track and field. Wheelchair racers Brent Lakatos won a silver medal and Austin Smeenk a bronze.

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    Canadian wheelchair racer Cody Fournie has made his mark on the international stage by winning a gold medal at the Paralympic Games. Fournie, who hails from Canada, competed in the wheelchair racing event and emerged victorious, showcasing his incredible talent and determination.

    Fournie’s journey to the top of the podium was not an easy one. He faced numerous challenges and obstacles along the way, but his unwavering dedication and hard work paid off in the end. His victory is a testament to his resilience and perseverance, as well as his exceptional skill and athleticism.

    Wheelchair racing is a demanding sport that requires strength, speed, and endurance. Competing against some of the best athletes in the world, Fournie had to push himself to the limit in order to achieve his goal of winning a gold medal. His victory is a testament to his commitment to excellence and his ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.

    Fournie’s success at the Paralympic Games has not only brought glory to himself and his country, but it has also inspired countless individuals around the world. His story serves as a reminder that with hard work, determination, and perseverance, anything is possible. Fournie’s triumph is a shining example of the power of the human spirit and the ability to overcome adversity.

    As Fournie celebrates his well-deserved victory, he serves as a role model for aspiring athletes everywhere. His dedication to his sport and his unwavering belief in himself have propelled him to the top of the podium, where he now stands as a Paralympic champion. Cody Fournie’s gold medal win in wheelchair racing is a momentous achievement that will be remembered for years to come.