- Tokyo 2020 silver medallist returns for her
third Paralympic appearance
- Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
takes place August 28 to September
8
OTTAWA,
ON, July 12, 2024 /CNW/ - Priscilla Gagné will
be Canada's representative in Para
judo at the Paris 2024 Paralympic
Games this summer, with the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Judo
Canada confirming her nomination on Friday.
Paris 2024 Canadian
Paralympic Team – PARA JUDO
- Priscilla Gagné – Sarnia,
ON
Gagné has been Canada's leading
Para judoka for many years now and will be making her third
consecutive Paralympic appearance. She captured a silver medal at
the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games,
just days after she carried the flag for Canada at the Opening Ceremony.
"It is always an honour and great privilege to represent
Canada at the Paralympics," said
Gagne. "It's extra special for me to compete at a third Games – the
10-year-old Priscilla in me would be amazed to know her future!
It's not just about representing my country, but it's representing
the dream so many people who live with disabilities have; a dream
to belong, a chance to prove they are more than their
circumstances, and an opportunity to shine the light for others to
be inspired.
"I'm so grateful and humbled for the journey thus far. And
though this is my final Games as an athlete, I'm excited for what
my future will hold."
Her silver is Canada's
best-ever Paralympic finish in Para judo, following four prior
bronze medals (Pier Morten in 2000, 1992, and 1988; Eddie Morten in 1988).
The 38-year-old recently won a bronze medal at a Para Judo Grand
Prix in Heidelberg, Germany in February. She is a 2022 world
championships silver medallist, and finished fifth at last year's
edition. She is currently ranked No. 5 in the world in her
category, and ranked fourth in Paralympic qualification.
"Changes to the classification and weight divisions in
Paralympic judo forced Priscilla to change her weight
division post Tokyo," said
Andrzej Sadej, Para Head Coach, Judo
Canada. "She is now facing bigger and stronger opponents; however
this new challenge has resulted in more resolve to bring home gold
from Paris. I am confident that
Priscilla will have the best day of her competitive judo career in
Paris."
Gagné will be competing in the women's 57 kilo J1 category in
Paris, taking place September 5 at Champ de Mars Arena.
"Congratulations to Priscilla on being nominated for her third
Paralympic Games," said Josh Vander Vies, co-chef de mission,
Paris 2024 Canadian Paralympic
Team. "Priscilla has been one of the world's best Para judokas for
so many years, always looking to improve and push both her and her
sport forward. We can't wait to cheer her on at the Games and are
wishing her all the best in her final preparations for Paris."
"A very warm welcome to Priscilla!" said Karolina Wisniewska, co-chef de mission,
Paris 2024 Canadian Paralympic
Team. "Priscilla has been such an incredible ambassador for the
Paralympic Movement and her sport of Para judo throughout her
career. It will be so exciting to watch her compete at the
Paralympic Games once again."
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
will take place August 28 to September
8 in Paris, France.
Canada is expecting to send a team
of approximately 130 athletes.
Prior to being officially named to the Canadian Paralympic Team,
all nominations are subject to approval by the Canadian Paralympic
Committee. The current list of nominated athletes can be found
HERE. The approved final roster will be announced closer to the
start of the Games.
About the Canadian Paralympic Committee:
Paralympic.ca
About Judo Canada: JudoCanada.org
SOURCE Canadian Paralympic Committee (Sponsorships)