STILWELL SMASHES 400m WORLD RECORD

Three-time Canadian Paralympic gold medalist Michelle Stilwell of Parksville is back in the record books. On Sunday, the 37-year-old wheelchair racer smashed the world record in the T52 400-metre event at the Summer Down Under 2012 International Track and Road Racing Series in Canberra. Earlier in the day, Stilwell raced the 100m event in a time of 20.97, a race she holds the world record in in a time of 19.52. But it was the 400m event she was most focused on and leading up to the race, "I truly felt like good things were going to happen,"said Stilwell.

But positive energy drained from her body almost as fast as the air in one of her tires as she position herself at the start line. Races are rarely held up due to mechanical failures, but as the other athletes stalled, Stilwell wheeled to her race crew and they fixed her up faster than a NASCAR pit crew.

Back on the start line, adrenaline pumped through Stilwell's body as she dug in deep and raced to a 1:06.57 finish, breaking the world record by more than two seconds. "Words can not describe the elation I felt," said Stilwell. "Here I thought I was in an individual sport but turns out I am in a team sport. Not just my Canadian staff but my fellow competitors as well who went out of their way to make it possible for me to race tonight."

ATHLETICS BC RECOGNIZES IT'S TOP ATHLETES OF 2011

Paying tribute to the top athletes in British Columbia on December 3, 2011, Athletics Canada awarded Michelle Stilwell for her outstanding performances of 2011. This included her bettering of the 200m World Record and the three gold medals and silver that Michelle brought back from the IPC World Championships. Her coach Peter Lawless was awarded Coach of the Year for his efforts leading to her impressive wins at the 2011 IPC Para-Athletics World Championships.

BEST AND BRIGHTEST IN WHEELCHAIR SPORTS HONOURED AT THE CANADIAN WHEELCHAIR SPORTS ASSOCIATION AWARDS NIGHT

(Winnipeg, MB) – Top athletes, coaches and builders were honoured this week for their contributions to wheelchair sports across Canada at the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association Awards Night. Representatives from wheelchair sports organizations across the country gathered Sunday night in Winnipeg to pay tribute to the many exceptional individuals who have impacted the wheelchair sports community this year.

Michelle Stilwell was awarded Female Athlete of the Year – Despite undergoing major spinal surgery, Michelle won three gold medals and one silver medal at the IPC Para-Athletics World Championships and bested her own World Record in the 200m. Her coach Peter Lawless was awarded Coach of the Year for his efforts leading to her impressive wins at the 2011 IPC Para-Athletics World Championships.

STILWELL INDUCTED INTO THE NANAIMO SPORTS HALL OF FAME

Last week it was announced that Stilwell would be inducted into the Nanaimo Sports Hall of Fame. along with 3 other greats in the Nanaimo sporting community. At a well attended ceremony the display case was unveiled and brought tears to not only Stilwell but the friends and family who were there to support her. Check out the news coverage.

STILWELL TAKES A TIME MACHINE TO THE 60'S

While having her new race chair built at Invacare Top End in Tampa, Florida. Stilwell is spending time with old firends and making new ones! Below she is pictured with Mark Volman (Flo) after the Happy Together concert at Ruth Eckhard Hall. Mark, who co-founded the Turtles and later played with Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention now runs the entertainment studies department at Nashville's Belmont University when he isn't out on the road singing "Happy Together."





The entire crew of the Happy Together Tour

STILWELL BETTERS HER OWN 200m WORLD RECORD

Stilwell could not have asked for better weather conditions at the Ansin Sports Complex in Mirmar, Florida. Cruising past the finish line in a time of 35.22, Stilwell bettered her previous World Record by 6/100th of a second. Next up she heads to Calgary, Alberta to compete in the Canadian National Track and Field Championships from June 23-25th.

STILWELL ONE OF FIVE TO LOOK OUT FOR

The London Paralmpic Games are only 544 days away and people are starting to take notice of those to watch out for. As athletes across the globe try to reach their standards and qualify for their Paralympic teams the pressure is on. Canada will realease their standards in the next few weeks.

STILWELL VICTORIOUS

As the IPC World Championships wrap up, Stilwell is bringing home some hardware. Three gold and one silver medal plus 3 World Championship Records. All this coming off a major spine surgery just 5 months prior. It is an incredible recovery for the Nanoose athlete who was out completely for more than 3 months of training.

"It was fabulous to again get to the top of the podium and sing Oh Canada...I don’t think I will ever get tired of hearing the anthem...ever."

STILWELL SELECTED TO CARRY FLAG FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS OPENING CEREMONIES

The choice of a flag bearer is often seen as a sacred trust. An honour bestowed on those who represent not only the athletes at the games but Canadians across our country. The decision cannot be taken lightly and the person selected has to be just right. There are many qualified athletes on our team who deserve the honour to carry the Canadian flag but for these World Championship games in Christchurch it has been given to me -Michelle Stilwell - wheelchair basketball player turned racer.

"This is one of the greatest honors of my sporting career. For many years I have had the privilege to represent Canada at multiple international competitions. I have been inspired by my fellow athletes and I have always strived for excellence, pushing myself further than I thought I could and harder than many people wanted me to. Tomorrow at noon I will carry our country’s flag at the opening ceremony of the 2011 World Championships in Para-Athletics with incredible pride and great emotion."

WARM UP MEET IN SYDNEY KICKS THINGS OFF FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

It was a great kick off to the World Championships for Team Canada on Friday night at Sydney Olympic Park. You could feel the energy building as athletes from Australia, USA, Germany, Finland, Netherlands and Canada competed. Stilwell posted times in the 100m, 200m and 400m that prove she is set for competition next week.

OUTSTANDING PARA-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR IN WHEELCHAIR EVENTS

Athletics Canada announced the winners of its twelve annual awards for 2010. The winners are chosen by Athletics Canada’s Awards Committee from the nominee pool as put forward by the Athletics Canada membership. The award recipients will be honoured at a banquet following the 2011 Canadian Championships in Calgary, Alberta.

The Outstanding Para-Athlete of the Year in Wheelchair Events goes to Nanoose Bay, BC’s Michelle Stilwell made her mark on the 2010 season by setting new World Records in both the T52 classification 100 and 200-metres and established a new Canadian mark in the T52 400-metres.

Click here to see the full list of finalists

STILWELL FINISHES IN 2 HOURS 30 MINUTES

An amazing accomplishment for Stilwell to even start the marathon in Oita, Japan on November 14, 2010. Just ten weeks post major spinal surgery she not only started but won for the T52 class category. “For me it was not about winning, it was about finishing and pushing through to the end for Clayton.” One year ago, Michelle raced her first marathon in Oita with the support and encouragement of her dear friend Clayton Gerein. In 2009 they worked together through much of the race to make it to the end. Sadly, the world lost an incredible person when Clayton passed away from a brain tumor earlier this year.

For full results and more information on the marathon go to : www.wheelchair-marathon.com or www.wheelchair-marathon.com - results

MAKING THE LIST!

The Vancouver Sun announced BC's 100 most influential women from various categories. Making the list was MICHELLE STILWELL - Wheelchair athletics, Paralympic Champion - A double gold medallist in wheelchair track at the Beijing Paralympics, Stilwell, 35, is also the world record holder at 100 metres and 200 metres. A quadriplegic since the age of 17 when she fell while being piggybacked by a friend, Stilwell maintains a busy schedule that includes training and competing, marriage and a son, and motivational speaking. In her talks, she emphasizes perseverance, overcoming barriers and chasing dreams. She also is an ambassador for the Rick Hansen Foundation and ActNow B.C.

WORLD RECORDS FALL AT SWISS SERIES

On June 24th in Arbon, Switzerland a team of 14 Canadian para‐athletes assaulted the record books by setting two World records and four Canadian records. The re‐writing of the record books was led by Michelle Stilwell of Nanoose Bay, BC; the T52 classification wheelchair racer established a shocking two new World records. She bettered the 100 metre and 200 metre records she had previously set in 2008 clocking in at 19.52 and 35.82 respectively. Stilwell just narrowly missed the 400 metre world record with a time of 1:08.81. The current record stands from 2005 by Lisa Franks’ time of 1:08.74.

COURSE RECORD AT THE SUN RUN

Set to beat the clock in under 35 minutes Stilwell took to the streets of Vancouver for the 26th annual Vancouver Sun Run. With near perfect weather for a cruise through downtown Vancouver, Stilwell hit speeds in excess of 40km/hr heading down Georgia. Crossing the finish line in a course record time of 32:27 was a huge achievment for Stilwell. She attributes the success to consistent training and an amazing new chair.

GOLD MEDAL FOR CAN FUND

For the past thirteen years a remarkable woman named Jane Roos has raised millions of dollars that go directly to Olympic athletes like me. In fact 90% of the athletes currently competing in Vancouver have received funding from the Canadian Athletes Now Fund. The $6000 grants that can be applied for twice a year help to support athletes living and training expenses. Most Canadians just don’t realize that most Olympic athletes live paycheck to paycheck while maxing out credit cards to follow their dreams and passions in sport

For the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter games SHAW has given two floors of their downtown Vancouver building to hosting athletes and their families. It is a place where the athletes can meet with their family and friends, sometimes even their children outside of the Olympic village.

Sprott asset management has made a commitment to give $100,000 to the CAN Fund for each gold medal won at the games. Incredible.

The unbelievable vision and passion of this one woman and her small team of volunteers has helped Canadian athletes win gold here at home and abroad. Jane and her Olympian husband Conrad deserve a gold medal in philanthropy for their efforts.

SUCCESS AT SUMMER DOWN UNDER

After three weeks of training in Sydney, Australia, Mikey hit the track and road for some competition! Starting out in Canberra on a beautiful summer evening, Mikey set the World Record in the 100m at 19.81. Not that she knew it as the results did not get posted until the following day because of difficulties with the scoreboard. It was the beginning of a great night at the track with solid races in the 200m and 400m and a Personal Best in the 800m. A few days later Mikey hit the track again at Sydney Olympic Park. The winds were stronger that night, sometimes in her favor and other times not so much! The weather was good enough to set a Personal Best in the 400m, inching closer and closer to the World Record.

The traditional Oz day race through the historic Rocks on Australia Day took place on the 26th. It was an emotional day as most of us were still shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of our dear friend and fellow racer Clayton Gerein earlier in the week. I put all my energy into thinking of what Clay has taught me over the years and pushed with the passion and determination that he always did in each and every race. I know that he was there with me that morning pushing me though to the finish line in record time of 30.12. You will always be in my heart Clay.

OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY HEATS UP IN NANAIMO

The flame made its way to Nanaimo, after arriving in Victoria the day before, where it was greeted by a huge crowd of people, many of whom were dressed in the spirit of Halloween. Running a little bit behind schedule Mikey was patient as she waited to receive the flame from Michael Cunliffe of Victoria. Weaving through a parted pathway of people up to the stage, seeing many family and friends along the way, the feeling of Canadian pride was magical. Lifted up to the stage by a hydraulic platform Mikey turned around to hold the flame high for the crowd before lighting the cauldron. Treena Armitage of SeaSide Studios was there to take some fabulous pictures. The dark skies lit up one last time with an amazing display of fireworks to signal the end of the Torch Relay for the day. Check out the photo gallery for more pictures.

MIKEY COMPLETES HER FIRST MARATHON!

Traveled to Oita Japan on the 21st of October feeling confident and ready for the marathon. The training time had been put in and new racer was ready to be tested. The wonderful volunteers in Oita greeted us at the door of the plane and the excitement began. Never before have I seen so many dedicated volunteers. Some of them have been coming back year after year for more than 20! It was all looking good on race day until it started to rain just minutes before leaving the hotel. The stress level went up as wheeling 200m in the rain was frustrating enough, never mind 42.2km! Nevertheless Mikey finished in 2 hours 21 minutes beating her goal of 2:30 (in the sun!) Who knows where this could lead…

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON!

Did I say this chair is going to be the lightest on the market? What I meant to say is that there is no other chair on the market as custom and intricately designed. This weekend I had a chance to sit in the racer for the first time and it was fabulous! The amount of time, energy, thought and fine intricate work Rob has put into it is crazy. He fully admits that it has gotten a bit out of hand but is also having a blast building it. Together we are proud to boast that it is 2 pounds lighter than my current chair.

In less than seven days I will pick up the completed frame to bring home and start training in. This gives me one month to test it out before taking it to Oita, Japan to rock it at my first ever marathon.

ROBERTS AND STILWELL TEAM UP

After months of talking and sharing ideas with other high profile racers like Kelly Smith and Jeff Adams the process has started. Rob Mulder of Roberts Sailboards is building the finest carbon fiber race chair on the market. You can't get anything this custom! Looking to be lighter than the chair chair currently used by Stilwell along with amazing aerodynamics it won't be long until more records are shattered. Stay tuned for more pictures and updates on the build process.

RICK MERCER REPORT

Not sure what I was thinking but I really should have a link to the Rick Mercer Report. My time with Rick last year was so very memorable. I have had so many people come up and talk about how much they enjoyed the episode and how much it made them laugh. Me too! Just imagine how hard I laughed that day! I hope it can bring you few chuckles as well. Click on the photo!

RAISING MONEY FOR SPINAL CORD INJURY

June 14th was the Rick Hansen Wheels in motion event. Once again as an ambassador for the foundation I took part in the Nanaimo event. Raising more than $1.2 million across Canada, this money will make a profound difference in the lives of people living with spinal cord injury.

DINING WITH THE PRINCE

On June 5th (the 17 year anniversary of my injury) Prince Edward was bestowed a First Nations name (by the four bands involved in the 2010 Games) and I had the incredible honor to take part in his naming Ceremony. We casually conversed over an amazing dinner at the new Convention Center in Vancouver. He was a warm and genuine man well deserving of his First Nations name.

GONE COUNTRY

June 6th took me out to Kananaskis where Gord Bamford gave a private concert for the Western Association of Broadcasters where I was a guest speaker. He was an absolute gem and I enjoyed the evening thouroughly!

STILWELL VICTORIOUS IN VICTORIA

SUNDAY, March 26, 2009

On a brisk Sunday morning Michelle Stilwell took off from the start of the 2009 Times Colonist as leader of the pack. Athens Paralympian Al Bergman came out of retirement for the race after some coaxing and nudging from Mikey.

"Even though it was only for 400-500m it felt great to be at the front against a Paralympian like Al."

STILWELL AT THE TOP AGAIN

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Amidst great company of some of the most amazing athletes in Canada, Michelle Stilwell was named Sport BC’s Athlete of the Year (with a disability) at the River Rock Casino in Richmond. President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, Carla Qualtrough, along with Flight Centre President, Greg Dixon presented Stilwell with the Oscar like award.

MIKEY SETS COURSE RECORD DOWN UNDER!

Stilwell won the T52 10Km event at the Summer Down Under Road and Track Series in Sydney, Australia in record time of 32.42. Stilwell bettered her last years time by almost two minutes to set the course record.

"It was perfect weather for a race through the Rocks of downtown Sydney. I just wish I had not flatted with 3km to go. It would have been great to finish in 30 minutes. I am thrilled with the p.b. at this point in the season and am looking forward to my 1/2 marathon in a couple of weeks."

LONDON 2012: THE PARALYMPIC GAMES ON CTV

CTV TELEVISION BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Date Time and Event
Saturday September 29 2:00pm - 3:30pm (EST)
Monday September 31 12:30am - 2:00am (EST) Rebroadcast
* Schedule subject to change

As well, for web streaming of the events go to:
www.paralympicsport.tv


Official Website of the London Paralympic Games
en.paralympic.London2012.cn

August 29 2:00pm - 3:30pm (EST)
Monday August 31 12:30am - 2:00am (EST) Rebroadcast
* Schedule subject to change

As well, for web streaming of the events go to:
www.paralympicsport.tv


Official Website of the London Paralympic Games
en.paralympic.london2012.cn