UPDATE: Michie did indeed qualify for the Paralympics at the April trials and will represent Canada this coming September.
TORONTO – Gordie Michie has his sights set on the Paralympic games in Rio this summer.
The 22-year-old para-swimmer, who set a new Canadian record and won gold in the 200-metre men’s individual medley earlier this week, also captured bronze in the 100-metre mens’ backstroke event.
Being a fierce competitor, the St. Thomas, Ont., native was not satisfied with his performance in the backstroke competition.
The Canadian record in the event was set by Michie at the Parapan Am Games in 2015 [1:03.46], but that time was surpassed in the backstroke trial final here by gold medal winner Nicolas Turbide [1:01.17].
“I wanted to break my Canadian record, I was really focused on that, I tried not to get too excited. I felt relaxed, I swam the best I could, I just didn’t get the time tonight,” Michie said after the backstroke final at the Toronto Pan Am Centre.
Gordie Michie after his third place finish in the men’s 100m individual medley
Though his record was broken at the trial, collecting two medals [gold, bronze] this weekend, setting a new Canadian record in the 200m individual medley and a strong performance at the 2015 Parapan Am games where he won four medals [gold, silver, 2 bronze], Michie is still in great standing to be selected for Team Canada’s para-swim team.
“If I get selected for Team Canada, it would be an honour to represent my country in Rio and I will do the best I can,” Michie said.
I swam the best I could, I just didn’t get the time tonight
Michie has the opportunity to represent Team Canada in four separate events, but he does have a favourite, despite holding the national record in the 100 back — the 200-metre individual medley.
“I broke the record in the 200 Thursday night, and I feel really good about that. I felt great during the race and I am confident in how I perform in that event,” Michie said moments before returning to the podium for a second time at the Paralympic trials.
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