Medals, friendships and watch parties: N.B. athletes on Paralympic stage

The Paralympic Games are off to a positive start for New Brunswick athletes — with one medal win and some near-podium finishes.

Kamylle Frenette, a second-timer to the Paralympics, came fourth in the Para triathlon — the same placing she got at the last Games. 

The triathlon combines open-water swimming, biking and running. 

Frenette said the biking was tough because of the technicality of the course. 

She said that while it’s a fierce competition during the race, she’s built some good relationships outside of racing with the other athletes. 

“Claire Cashmore, the girl who finished second — she’s always my first hug at the finish line,” said Frenette.

• Learn the names and faces of New Brunswick’s Paralympic athletes

She said the Paralympic Games are a big eye-opener, getting the opportunity to meet different people and hear their stories. 

“It’s gotten me to really appreciate who I am and appreciate my differences,” said Frenette.

Now that the Games are over for the Dieppe athlete, Frenette said she is heading to Normandy with family to take a vacation and let everything sink in before deciding her next steps. 

Alexandre Hayward of Quispamsis claimed a bronze medal for Canada in the 3,000-metre track-cycling event in the C3 classification. 

Hayward has an impressive resumé in Para cycling, winning a medal in his debut at the Paralympic Games after taking up the sport during the pandemic. 

“It’s really special,” Hayward said after his event. 

“For 12 years, I’ve been dreaming of coming to the Paralympics, but not necessarily of winning a medal, and I think to do that in my first event of three is about as special as it gets.

“It’s kind of hard to put into words right now, if I’m being honest.”

In his Wednesday time-trial road race, Hayward came fifth. He has another race on Saturday.

For returning Paralympian and past medallist in swimming Danielle Dorris, she advanced to the final on Saturday after coming second in her heat. She came sixth in the final.

And for New Brunswick’s wheelchair basketball players, Desiree Isaac-Pictou and Colin Higgins, they are still in the game.

For the women’s team’s first game against China, the community of Ugpi’Ganjig hosted a watch party.

Both the men’s and women’s teams won their quarter-final games and advanced to the semi-finals.

With files from Information Morning Moncton

This story was originally published in CBC News on Sep. 4, 2024.