Chantal Petitclerc redefined what it means to be a champion, both on and off the track. From a small town in Quebec to the pinnacle of global sport, her 21 Paralympic medals—14 of them gold—stand as a testament to her extraordinary talent and determination. But Petitclerc’s legacy goes far beyond her medal count. 

At the 2002 Commonwealth Games, she made history by winning the women’s 800m wheelchair race—the first wheelchair event medal to count toward a country’s official tally. It wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was a groundbreaking moment for inclusivity in sport. 

 In 2006, Petitclerc made history again, becoming the first athlete with a disability to carry the Canadian flag at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony. Her presence wasn’t just symbolic; it transformed perceptions of athletes with disabilities, inspiring a new generation to dream bigger and demand greater equality. 

In this edition of our "Where Are They Now" series, we explore how Petitclerc’s story continues to evolve. From her appointment as a Senator in the Parliament of Canada to her tireless advocacy for accessibility and equality, she has seamlessly transitioned into roles that amplify her voice and passion for change. 

What are the standout moments from your time as an athlete in the Commonwealth Games? 

"Honestly, there were so many memorable moments that it’s hard to choose. Competing among the best athletes in the Commonwealth was exhilarating. One of my top highlights was of course becoming the first para-athlete to win an all-inclusive gold medal. I will never forget that. The atmosphere was electric, and knowing all the hard work leading up to that moment was paying off was incredibly rewarding. 

The community of athletes is like a family; it was amazing to see so much support and camaraderie. And the local people of Manchester were amazing. Apart from the medal, my favourite memory was to leave the track and stop by a local pub for a drink with my husband and being recognized by the crowd who were watching the games and started to applaud me. And of course, they bought me a beer!!" 

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Chantal Petitlerc wins 800m Gold at the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games

How has your life and career changed since the Commonwealth Games, both in and out of sports? 

"Since that time at the Commonwealth Games, my life and career have changed a lot. While I stepped back from high-performance sport, the experience opened many doors for me. It helped shape my career path. I worked in the media, as a coach for UKA, as Chef de Mission, and I continue to be in demand as a motivational speaker. 

But these days, I find myself dedicating my time to my role in the Senate of Canada, where I try to create a more inclusive and diverse society for all Canadians, particularly those with disabilities." 

Can you talk about the challenges and victories you've encountered since the Commonwealth Games and how they shaped your journey? 

"The transition after the Commonwealth Games and Paralympics wasn't all easy. Coping with the end of a competitive life is tough. You must deal with questions about what you want to do, insecurities, and a very steep learning curve in something new. But each obstacle also comes with small or big wins and lots of life lessons. These experiences taught me resilience and how to embrace change." 

Have you stayed active in your sport or sports community after the Commonwealth Games? If yes, what role do you play? 

"Sadly, not as much as I wanted. I do remain active in the sports community through some volunteering, for example at the Défi Sportif AlterGo as a spokesperson. And I still stay in touch with former competitors, but to be honest, I do miss my athletics family from time to time. Even if it’s not as much as I would want, I love staying connected to the sport that I was so passionate about." 

How has your view on your sport and accomplishments shifted since your Commonwealth Games experience? 

"My perspective on my sport and accomplishments has changed over time. When I was competing, it’s fair to say that for me it was all about the medals and records. Now, I value the impact of sports for all, especially for kids, and the friendships and lessons we learn in sport. 

I’ve come to appreciate that every athlete’s journey is unique and important, and that success can look different for everyone." 

Tell us about projects or causes you're passionate about or working on. 

"In my work as a Senator in Canada, I am passionate about the rights of persons with disabilities, access to sports and the health of our youth. Whether it is through legislation, committee study, keeping our government accountable or connecting with organizations, I take this role very seriously. I feel grateful to be able to contribute to causes that resonate with me and I believe I can help make a real difference." 

In what ways have you used your Commonwealth Games experience to motivate and guide the next generation or those facing similar challenges? 

"I love to try and inspire the next generation. From my Commonwealth Games experiences and the fact that the CG remains the one fully inclusive sport event, I use that story as the perfect example that inclusion is possible and that we all win when we choose to include." 

Looking back, what lessons or skills from your Commonwealth Games journey have been valuable in your life beyond sports? 

"The lessons I learned during my Commonwealth Games experiences have been important in my life beyond sports. Skills like goal setting, teamwork, adaptability and dealing with pressure, have been important in my work in the Senate. That is the real power of sport. No matter the medals, what you learn stays with you." 

What advice do you have for aspiring athletes eyeing the Commonwealth Games or other international competitions? 

"I try not to give advice because there are no recipes. Every athlete is different, and we all must learn what works for us. But I will say this: go for the gold, stay committed but also enjoy the journey. It’s a lot about the process just as much as the end goal. Always believe in yourself and be your own best friend. Look for and surround yourself with people who are on your team, on and off the track." 

Can you share a personal or professional achievement post-Commonwealth Games that you take pride in? 

"It took me 20 years to win the gold as an athlete and I have been a Senator for now eight years. So, while I am quite proud of what I have accomplished so far, I believe my professional ‘Gold medal moment’ as a parliamentarian is in the making and has yet to come!!!! Stay tuned!!! :)"