Aurelie Rivard and Benoit Huot were named the para-swimmers of the year by Swimming Canada in the first of a series of announcements called the Big Splash Awards that recognize the best performances by Canadian para-swimmers.
It's the second straight award for Rivard, who became a double world champion and set a world record in the S10 100-metre freestyle in 2015.
"This year was very special," said the 19-year-old from St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.. "I've had the best performances of my life and I was able to achieve two of my forever goals: to become a world champ and break a world record."
Rivard won the S10 50 metres and 400m freestyle at the IPC Swimming world championships in Glasgow, Scotland. She then went on to dominate the Parapan Am Games in Toronto, winning a record seven medals, including six gold. Rivard set six Pan Am Games marks, two Americas records, and produced a new world record (59.17 seconds) in the S10 100m freestyle.
"I'm super happy to win this award," Rivard said. "It's a great honour, especially for the second year in a row. This award is a little boost of confidence for the big year ahead."
Huot Paralympic legend
For Paralympic legend Huot, it was the 11th time that he's won the award. Huot captured two silvers (SM10 200m individual medley, S10 400m freestyle) and a bronze (S10 100m backstroke) at IPC worlds. He then went on to win gold in the 400m free at Parapan Ams, plus silvers in the 200IM, 100m back and 4x100m medley relay.
"2015 was a big year for para sport in our country. I was proud and lucky to be part of it," said the 31-year-old from Longueuil, Que. "I believe we really brought our movement to another level with the Parapan Ams and the amazing coverage from CBC. I am excited and ready to have an amazing year getting ready for the 2016 Paralympic Games."
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