“Ms. Nelson, Mr. Stein, Ms. Mortimer and Ms. McLachlan are among the most talented and devoted athletes in their sports,” said the Prime Minister. “On behalf of all Canadians, I want to express my congratulations to them on their achievements. They truly showed the focus, skill and spirit needed to reach the podium.”
Brianna Nelson of Calgary , Alberta , is a veteran on Team Canada , having competed in six events at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing . This is her first Paralympic medal. At the 2011 Pan Pacific Para-Swimming Championships in Edmonton , Alberta , Ms. Nelson won two silver and two bronze medals.
Nathan Stein, of Maple Ridge , British Columbia , is a first time Paralympian and this is his first Paralympic medal. During the Paralympic swim trials, Mr. Stein won the 50-metre freestyle in Canadian record time. In 2011, he won a bronze medal in the 100-metre breaststroke at the Pan Pacific Para-Swimming Championships.
Summer Mortimer, of Ancaster , Ontario , is a first time Paralympian and this is her second Paralympic medal of these Paralympic Games, having won silver in the women’s 200-metre individual medley. In 2010, Ms. Mortimer won four gold medals at the International Paralympic Committee Swimming World Championships.
Virginia McLachlan, of Windsor , Ontario , is a first time Paralympian and this is her first Paralympic medal. At the 2011 Parapan American Games in Guadalajara , Mexico , she won silver medals in the 100-metre and 200-metre and is the current T35 Canadian record holder in those events.
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.