Chantal Petitclerc facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Honourable Chantal Petitclerc CC CQ MSM
Petitclerc in 2017
Canadian Senator from Grandville
Incumbent
Assumed office 18 March 2016
Nominated by	Justin Trudeau
Appointed by	David Johnston
Preceded by	Andrée Champagne (2014)
Personal details
Born	(1969-12-15) 15 December 1969 (age 55) Saint-Marc-des-Carrières, Quebec, Canada
Political party	Independent Senators Group
Spouse	James Duhamel
Children	Elliot Duhamel
Sport Country  Canada Sport wheelchair racer Medal record Women's athletics Representing  Canada Paralympic Games Gold 1996 Atlanta 100 m T54 Gold 1996 Atlanta 200 m T54 Gold 2000 Sydney 200 m T54 Gold 2000 Sydney 800 m T54 Gold 2004 Athens 100 m T54 Gold 2004 Athens 200 m T54 Gold 2004 Athens 400 m T54 Gold 2004 Athens 800 m T54 Gold 2004 Athens 1500 m T54 Gold 2008 Beijing 100 m T54 Gold 2008 Beijing 200 m T54 Gold 2008 Beijing 400 m T54 Gold 2008 Beijing 800 m T54 Gold 2008 Beijing 1500 m T54 Silver 1996 Atlanta 400 m T54 Silver 1996 Atlanta 800 m T54 Silver 1996 Atlanta 1500 m T54 Silver 2000 Sydney 100 m T54 Silver 2000 Sydney 400 m T54 Bronze 1992 Barcelona 200 m TW4 Bronze 1992 Barcelona 800 m TW4

Chantal Petitclerc is a famous Canadian wheelchair racer and a Senator from Quebec. She was born on December 15, 1969. She is known for her amazing achievements in sports and for her work helping others.

Early Life and Discovery of Sport

When Chantal was 13, a heavy barn door fell on her. This accident caused an injury to her spine. It meant she could no longer use her legs.

A high school teacher, Gaston Jacques, helped her a lot. He taught her to swim four times a week during lunch. This helped her get stronger and more independent. Swimming also showed her how much she loved to compete.

Becoming a Champion Athlete

When Chantal was 18, she met Pierre Pomerleau. He introduced her to wheelchair sports. She tried her first race in a homemade wheelchair. She came in last, but she loved it! This was the start of her incredible career.

Chantal also continued her studies while training. She went to University of Alberta to train with Peter Eriksson. He is still her coach today.

Paralympic Games Achievements

Chantal first competed in the Paralympic Games in Barcelona in 1992. She won two bronze medals there. This was just the beginning of her collection of 21 Paralympic medals! Fourteen of these are gold.

• At the Atlanta games, she won two gold medals (100m and 200m). She also won three silver medals (400m, 800m, and 1500m).
• At the Sydney games, she won two gold medals (200m and 800m). She also got two silver medals (100m and 400m).
• In Athens, she had an amazing performance. She won five gold medals! This tied the Canadian record for most gold medals at one Games.
• At the Beijing games, she won five more gold medals. This tied her own record!

Chantal holds five world records in wheelchair racing. As of 2019, she has won more gold medals than any other female Paralympic athlete. She has 14 gold medals and 21 medals in total.

Other Sports Honours

Chantal was chosen to carry the flag for Canada. This was at the opening ceremonies of the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

She also worked as a coach and mentor for the British athletics team. This was before the 2012 Summer Paralympics. She worked with her former coach, Peter Eriksson.

Chantal was named the "Chef de Mission" for Canada's team. This role helps lead the team at big events. She did this for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. She also did it for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Personal Life

Chantal Petitclerc is married to James Duhamel. He is a music composer. They have a son named Elliot, who was born in December 2013.

Working as a Senator

On March 18, 2016, Chantal Petitclerc became a Senator. She was chosen by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. She is part of the Independent Senators Group.

In the Senate, her main goals are to improve health and protect the rights of people with disabilities. She gave a powerful speech about medical assistance in dying. She spoke about how important it is for people with disabilities to feel in control of their own lives.

Awards and Recognitions

Chantal Petitclerc has received many honours for her achievements.

• In 2002, she received the Meritorious Service Medal.
• In 2005, she became a Knight of the Order of Quebec.
• Also in 2005, she was inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame.
• In 2009, she received a star on Canada's Walk of Fame.
• Later in 2009, she was made a Companion of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honours. It recognized her as an inspiration and for helping athletes with disabilities.
• In 2010, she was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.
• She has also received the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal.
• In 2015, she was inducted into the Canadian Paralympic Hall of Fame.

Images for kids

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  Ribbon for Companion of the Order of Canada

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  Ribbon for Knight of the National Order of Quebec

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  Ribbon for Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division)

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  Ribbon for Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal

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  Ribbon for Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

See also

• Athletes with most gold medals in one event at the Paralympic Games