Canada's wait for a serious medal rush in Athens is about to end. Starting Saturday, our reputation as a Paralympics powerhouse figures to get another boost when the Games for disabled athletes begin in the birthplace of the Olympic Games.
The numbers say it all. Four years ago in Sydney, Canada's Paralympic athletes racked up an impressive 96 medals -- third best in the competition -- including 35 gold.
In fact, Canada has ranked no lower than seventh in any Paralympics since 1980 (the Games were first launched in 1960 in Rome), with a high-water mark of 53 gold at the 1988 Seoul Paralympics.
Another high-quality Canadian contingent of 143 athletes has departed for Greece. Following Friday's opening ceremony at the Athens Olympic Stadium, competition begins Saturday in 19 sports and runs through Sept. 28. About 4,000 athletes from 142 countries will take part.
Canadians can follow our Paralympic efforts on the CBC, which will provide daily coverage of events, in 30-60-minute blocks on same-day tape delay.
A record 21 hours in all are planned.
Here's a snapshot look at the athletes who'll represent the Ottawa area at the Paralympics:
ATHLETICS
Jacques Bouchard, Gatineau: Holds Canadian record of 15.88 seconds for 100 metres in his class, set in Sherbrooke, Que., in 1987. Finished 11th in his Paralympics debut in 2000 in Sydney.
Chelsea Clark, Ottawa: She'll compete in wheelchair racing in Athens, but her athletic talents also extend to horseback riding and sledge hockey. Involved in the St. John Ambulance therapy dog program.
Jason Dunkerley, Ottawa: Canadian record holder in 800 and 1,500 metres in his vision-impaired class. Won gold in both at recent world championships, took silver in 1,500 four years ago in Sydney.
Jason Lachance, Ottawa: Won three medals (gold in 200 metres, silver in 100 and 400) in Sydney in wheelchair events for CP athletes, and five golds a year later at worlds. A frequent public speaker about disability-related issues.
Chelsea Lariviere, Mountain: Wheelchair athlete also involved in sledge hockey, jiu-jitsu and skiing. On the track, won one silver (400 metres) and two bronze (100, 200) medals at 2002 worlds.
Stuart McGregor, Ottawa: Has won 12 international medals in past five years, including bronze in Sydney. Canadian record holder in 400, 800, and 1,500 metres in his vision-impaired category. Canadian flag-bearer at 1998 worlds.
Kyle Pettey, Ottawa: Won silver medals in shot put and discus at the Sydney Paralympics. Missed setting world record in discus by a few centimetres at a meet in Australia just before 2000 Games.
Joe Radmore, Kemptville: Holds four world records in his CP category, but must compete in different class at Paralympics because it has no events in his T33 category. Silver medallist at 1996 Atlanta Games.
BOCCIA
Mirane Lanoix-Boyer, Gatineau: Began playing the sport in 1994. Goals include a top-five finish individually, and helping Canada reach the podium in the team event. It's her second Paralympics.
GOALBALL
Jeff Christy, Ottawa: Canadian team flag-bearer at 1996 Atlanta Games. Helped Canada to bronze medal at 2003 world championships. Athlete representative on Canadian Paralympic Committee's board of directors.
Rob Christy, Ottawa: Competing in second Paralympic Games. Was part of 10th-place team in 2000 in Sydney, and bronze-medal squad at 2003 worlds.
Dean Kozak, Ottawa: Athens is third Paralympics for this athlete, who figures to be the dominant force on the team. Scored all three game-winning goals for Ontario at recent Canadian championships.
POWERLIFTING
Sally Thomas, Ottawa: Competing in her fourth Paralympics, and in a third different sport. Works at Top Shape Fitness, and is the only female certified personal trainer with a disability in Canada.
WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL
Chantal Benoit, Ottawa: Often referred to as the Michael Jordan of women's wheelchair basketball. At 44, she's competing in her sixth Paralympics. Aims to lead Canada to a fourth straight Paralympics gold.
Linda Kutrowski, Ottawa: A true student of the game who leads by example with her strong work ethic. Also taking aim at her fourth Paralympics gold, a run which started in Barcelona in 1992. Won world gold in 2002.
rob.brodie@ott.sunpub.com