Introduced to wheelchair racing by Paralympic champion Andre Viger at age 15, he began training full-time in 2004. Initially, he balanced wheelchair basketball and racing. However, he decided to focus solely on racing to make the Athens Paralympics team.

Sporting Achievements

He played wheelchair basketball for the University of Texas and helped the team win the 2002 national title. His most memorable achievement is winning gold at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Challenges and Health Issues

In May 2015, he was hospitalised due to an illness while at an event in Arbon, Switzerland. This health issue disrupted his training throughout that year.

Awards and Recognition

He was named Best Male Athlete at the Tokyo 2020 Canadian Paralympic Sport Awards. He also served as Canada's flag bearer at the closing ceremony of the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Additionally, he was named Athlete of the Year by Athletics Canada in 2017 and Para Athlete of the Year in Wheelchair Events for multiple years.

Distance Switch

Initially specialising in sprints, he transitioned to longer distances over his career. He finished fourth in the T54 marathon at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. This switch required significant changes in his training, particularly focusing on endurance and pushing technique.

Personal Life

His wife Stefanie Reid represented Great Britain in athletics at four Paralympic Games. His sister competed in swimming for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He speaks English and French and is coached by Arno Mul from the Netherlands.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, his primary goal is to win gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. This ambition drives his current training and competitive efforts.

The athlete’s journey from a young racer inspired by Andre Viger to a decorated Paralympian showcases his dedication and resilience. His story continues to inspire many within the sports community.