Obstacles do not get in the way of Chantal Petitclerc. The epitome of determination, perseverance and discipline, Chantal is the most successful wheelchair racer of all time, boasting multiple medals from all three of the world’s top athletic competitions. At just 13 years old, Chantal lost the use of her legs following an accident. Four years later, she would discover wheelchair athletics, paving the way for a long and very successful career which would take her to the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992 and ultimately, to the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. She retired after Beijing with a total of 21 medals – 14 of them gold – and 25 world records broken, making her the most celebrated track athlete in history. Now a commentator for the games on CBC and Radio-Canada, she remains active in the sport community. In April 2016, she was appointed by Prime Minister Trudeau as a new independent member of the Senate, where she intends to help build a better Canada.  

Learn more about her keynote: Sharing My Story