When I was three months old, my parents had to make the decision to amputate my leg above-the-knee because of a birth defect. For most children that would drastically change their life; I was an exception. Growing up in rural Saskatchewan, I had taken to sports at a very young age. Being the only amputee around, I had no idea that playing hockey, baseball, tennis and basketball at an elite level was unusual. I made the provincial tennis team and led my high school basketball team to a number three provincial ranking. About the only sport I didn’t do was track.

Relaxing one day in late August of 1996, I was flipping through the television stations when I came across the Paralympics. I knew of the Paralympic Games, but thought that since I was so successful at able-bodied sports, why would I want to participate in the disabled games. The next event scheduled was the above-knee amputee 100-meter race. Since that was my disability, I thought I would watch the race. The winner, and at that time world record holder Lucas Christian, won easily. What caught my attention though was the last place time of 15.19 seconds. I knew that I could easily cover 100 meters in a quicker time. It was then and there that I decided to give track a go. I moved across the country to Southern Ontario, the mainstay for track in Canada and began training at the Hamilton Olympic Club.

Track has become my passion as well as my job. I was named the Canadian Disabled Athlete of the Year in 1997, 1998, and 1999. I was also inducted into Calgary’s Sports Hall of Fame. I participated in many national and international competitions leading up to the 2000 Paralympics, including the Optis Australia Grand Prix Series.

Competing in the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney, Australia was an incredible experience. In the 100-meter sprint, I won the gold medal and set a world record time of 12.61 seconds. In the 200 meter, I won the Silver medal. What a journey it has been since I "stumbled" onto the Paralympics just four years ago. It has challenged me and completely changed the direction in my life, and I am very honored to have represented Canada.

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