OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today congratulated swimmer Brianna Nelson on her silver medal in the Women's 50-metre Butterfly (S7), swimmer Nathan Stein on his silver medal in the Men's 50-metre Freestyle (S10), swimmer Summer Mortimer, who won a gold medal and set a new world record in the Women's 50-metre Freestyle (S10), and track and field athlete Virginia McLachlan, who won a bronze medal in the Women’s 200-metre (T35).

“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.

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