Community & Current Events
Get to know Canadian Paralympian Michelle Stilwell
Photography by Lance Sullivan/Conceptphoto.ca Image by: Photography by Lance Sullivan/Conceptphoto.ca
Community & Current Events
Get to know Canadian Paralympian Michelle Stilwell
Two-time Canadian Paralympic wheelchair racing champion Michelle Stilwell looks to add another medal to her collection in London.
Canadian Living had a chance to speak with the superstar and here's what we learned:
Canadian Living had a chance to speak with the superstar and here's what we learned:
Canadian Living: What's your biggest challenge in balancing motherhood with training and competing?
Michelle Stilwell: "I'm always planning ahead. I think as a mother you feel guilty when you're not giving 100 per cent to your family – that you're taking that little bit of time for yourself and following your own passion."
CL: What does your son, Kai, 11, think of Mom being a superathlete?
MS: He's my biggest fan. One of the greatest moments for me was in Beijing when I finished my victory lap and security let him come to the front of the stands. I gave him a hug and high five, and he said, 'I love you, Mom. You're the best.'
CL: You injured your spinal cord as a teen. What role did athletics play in your rehabilitation?
MS: Sports played a huge role. I was still in the rehab hospital when
I was introduced to wheelchair basketball. Seeing the people who were living with their abilities, and what they had overcome and were able to do, opened my eyes to what I would be able to do.
CL: What message do you hope to share when you speak at schools?
MS: The only difference between possible and impossible is a person's attitude. Sometimes our only choice is to change our attitudes when we are faced with adversity or challenges.
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| This story was originally titled "Michelle Stilwell" in the August 2012 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue! |
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