Chantal Petitclerc

Chantal Petitclerc is a wheelchair racer, advocate for persons with disabilities and Canadian Senator. A native of rural Quebec, she was the first Canadian athlete to win gold medals at the Olympics, Paralympics and Commonwealth Games. After an accident left her a paraplegic in her teens, Petitclerc discovered her competitive streak while swimming for fitness. As a wheelchair racer, she won 21 medals at five Paralympic games from 1992 to 2008, including 14 gold medals, and broke 26 world records. She is considered the most decorated female track athlete in history. Petitclerc has received many honours, including a star on the Canadian Walk of Fame and inclusion in Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. A Companion of the Order of Canada, she was named to the Senate of Canada in 2016.

“I like the idea of living life with happiness, to face obstacles with positivity. This attitude is the reason why I was able to overcome my life’s challenges and, step by step, build the career that I have today. Beyond psychological, physical or genetic factors, it’s the attitude we choose that makes a difference in our path.”