Daniel Matthews
Updated on: October 7, 2024 11:42 pm GMT
Canadian wheelchair racer Cody Fournie has captured his second gold medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games, solidifying his status as one of the standout athletes in Paris. The 35-year-old from Victoria triumphed in the men’s T51 100 metres, finishing in a Paralympic-record time of 19.63 seconds on Friday, September 6, 2024. His victory marks a significant achievement not only for him personally but also for the Canadian Paralympic team, which has been steadily accumulating medals during the competition.
Fournie’s Record-Setting Performance
Competing at Stade de France, Fournie showcased exceptional skill and determination as he broke the previous record in the T51 100 metres. This win is alongside his earlier success in securing gold in the 200 metres just days before. This marks a remarkable achievement for Fournie, particularly as this is his debut at the Paralympic Games. “It’s not a bad start at all,” he commented after the race. “It’s been a lot of hard work. My coach and I have put in a lot of effort and time. The 200 has always been the most difficult for me, so it’s something we’ve worked on the hardest,” he continued, emphasizing his rigorous training.
Canada’s Growing Medal Count
Fournie’s triumph has helped elevate Canada’s medal standings at the Games, contributing to a total of 13 medals thus far. His gold in the 100 metres is Canada’s fourth gold in athletics and seventh overall in the competition. Previously, the Canadian team experienced a dry spell of gold medals, earning four bronze and four silver in the opening days of the Games, before resuming their top position on the podium.
Highlights from Swimming and Boccia
Alongside Fournie’s achievements, Katie Cosgriffe, another Canadian debutant, added a bronze medal to Canada’s tally in the pool. The 18-year-old swimmer hailing from Burlington, Ontario, excelled in the women’s S10 100-metre butterfly event, finishing with a time of 1:07.22. “I’ve had this in my mind for a while,” Cosgriffe expressed after her performance, acknowledging the potential she had always believed she possessed.
In boccia, Canada’s mixed pairs team made headlines with victories over rivals China and Croatia, securing their place in the quarterfinals of the tournament. These performances across different sports highlight the depth of talent within the Canadian team and mark a promising trajectory as the Games continue.
Challenges in Other Sports
Not all Canadian teams fared well, as the women’s goalball team faced a setback, losing 5-1 to Israel in the quarterfinals. Amy Burk scored the only point for Canada in that match. In contrast, the men’s wheelchair basketball team advanced to the semifinals with a decisive 79-67 win against the Netherlands. Patrick Anderson lead the charge with an impressive 20 points, and teammates Nikola Goncin and Tyler Miller contributed solid performances to ensure their team’s progression.
Looking Forward
The Canadian athletes will continue to face strong competition as the Games move into the latter stages. The wheelchair basketball semifinals are set for Thursday, promising to be an exciting event for both players and fans. Meanwhile, the boccia team will look to maintain their winning streak against Ukraine as they compete in the upcoming quarterfinals.
As the Paralympic Games continue, Cody Fournie’s amazing story shines a light on Canadian sports. His journey shows how hard work and never giving up can lead to great things. With more support and determination, the Canadian team is ready to keep achieving success in the coming days.
