Chantal Petitclerc

Chantal Petitclerc, born on December 15, 1969, in Saint-Marc-des-Carrières, Quebec, is a Canadian wheelchair racer considered one of the greatest athletes in the history of the sport. Petitclerc began her professional career in 1992 and has since won numerous national and international titles, setting several world records in the process. She is recognized for her speed, endurance, and tactical acumen.

Off the track, Petitclerc is known for her advocacy for persons with disabilities, her efforts to promote the Paralympic movement, and her significant contributions to the community.

Early Career

• Chantal Petitclerc was born and raised in Quebec. She lost the use of her legs at the age of 13 after an accident. She began wheelchair racing at 18 and her talent was quickly recognized by her coach, Peter Eriksson.

International Career

• Petitclerc made her Paralympic debut in 1992 at the Barcelona Games, where she won two bronze medals. She went on to compete in five more Paralympic Games, winning a total of 14 gold, 5 silver, and 2 bronze medals.

Post-competition Career

• After retiring from competition in 2008, Petitclerc has remained involved in the sport as a coach, mentor and advocate for athletes with disabilities.

Paralympic Games

• Debut: Made her debut at the Paralympic Games in 1992.

Achievements:

• Gold Medals: Won a total of 14 gold medals across five Paralympic Games.
• World Records: Set several world records in various wheelchair racing events.

• Events: Primarily competed in middle and long-distance track events, as well as road events.
• Skills: Known for her speed, endurance, tactical acumen, and competitive spirit.

• Family: Petitclerc is married to James Duhamel and they have a son named Elliot.
• Advocacy: Petitclerc is a strong advocate for persons with disabilities and has worked to promote the Paralympic movement and improve accessibility in her home country of Canada.

• Chantal Petitclerc is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records, but also for her determination, resilience, and advocacy for persons with disabilities. Her impact on the sport and her status as an icon extend beyond the track, inspiring millions of people around the world.

Paralympic Gold Medals:

• 14 gold medals

World Records:

• Set several world records in various wheelchair racing events

Canadian Honors:

• Named a Companion of the Order of Canada, the highest honor within the Canadian honours system

Books

• Petitclerc, C. (2009) Chantal Petitclerc: Gold Medal Journey. Toronto: James Lorimer & Company Ltd.

Websites

• Paralympic Games: Information about Chantal Petitclerc’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org
• Canadian Paralympic Committee: Details about Petitclerc’s career and advocacy work. Available at: https://paralympic.ca

Articles

• CBC Sports: Chantal Petitclerc: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.cbc.ca/sports
• The Globe and Mail: Chantal Petitclerc’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theglobeandmail.com

Interviews and Documentaries

• Chantal Petitclerc: Beyond the Finish Line (2010): A documentary providing a detailed look at Petitclerc’s life and career, featuring interviews with her family, friends, and colleagues.