It was a historical moment for Canadian Paracanoe with Brianna Hennessy (Ottawa River Canoe Club) winning Canada’s first-ever Paracanoe medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games. The two-time Paralympian crossed the finish line in the va’a single 200m VL2 final in silver medal position behind Emma Wiggs of Great Britain. Australia’s Susan Siepel claimed the bronze.
Brianna was visibly emotional during the medal ceremony after the loss of her mother, in 2023. “I knew when she passed away, she was passing a torch to me,” she told CBC following her final race. “I feel like this represents that, and we did it together.”
Hennessy also raced in the KL1 200m event today at the Vaires-sur-Marne stadium, finishing just off the podium in 4th place. The 39-year-old wraps up her remarkable Paralympic journey in Paris with the honour of carrying the flag for Team Canada to the closing ceremonies on Sunday night. Brianna shares this prestigious duty with 3-time medalist Nicholas Bennett (Paraswimmer).
Erica Scarff (Mississauga Canoe Club) crossed the Paralympic line fifth in the women’s va’a single 200m VL3. She qualified for the final through the semifinals earlier in the morning. Scarff, also in her second Paralympic appearance, was a member of the first Para canoe team back in 2016.
“To have my family and friends here means a lot and helped me push even harder on the water,” said Scarff. “It was a really hard race but I’m proud of all the good work we, as a team have put in to get here.”
Mathieu St-Pierre (Shawinigan Canoe Club) wrapped up the Paralympic events finishing 6th overall in the men’s va’a single 200m today.
Congratulations to all three of Team Canada’s Paracanoe athletes for inspiring the next generation of para-athletes for 2028 and beyond.