30 August 2012
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today congratulated swimmers Benoît Huot and Summer Mortimer on their medal winning performances at the 2012 Summer Paralympic Games in London. Benoît Huot won a gold medal, setting the new world record, in the men’s 200-metre individual medley (SM10) and Summer Mortimer took home a silver medal in the women’s 200-metre individual medley (SM10).
“Canada’s athletes have proven that they have the talent and drive to excel on the world stage,” said the Prime Minister. “I am proud to congratulate Mr. Huot and Ms. Mortimer on their impressive achievements today, and for becoming Canada’s first medalists at the London Paralympic Games.”
Benoît Huot, of Longueuil, Quebec, is a veteran Paralympic swimmer. This is Mr. Huot’s fourth Paralympic Games, and his 17th Paralympic medal. At the Sydney Games in 2000, Mr. Huot took home three gold medals and three silver medals. Four years later in Athens, he won five gold medals and one silver medal, and at the 2008 games in Beijing, Mr. Huot won four bronze medals.
Summer Mortimer, of Ancaster, Ontario, is a first time Paralympian and this is her first Paralympic medal. Ms. Mortimer is the world record holder in the 50-metre freestyle, 100-metre freestyle, 50-metre backstroke, 100-metre backstroke and 200-metre backstroke. Four of those records were established in her 2010 season which included four gold medals at the International Paralympic Committee Swimming World Championships. At the Paralympic swim trials this past spring, Ms. Mortimer beat her world mark in the 50-metre freestyle.
The 2012 Summer Paralympic Games are being held from August 29 to September 9 in London, United Kingdom. Canada is being represented by more than 145 athletes who are competing in 15 sports. More than 4,000 athletes from 125 countries are participating in the largest ever Paralympic Games.
