Stilwell Selected as Flag Bearer

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. 

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. 

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 achievement for Stilwell. She attributes the success to consistent training and an amazing new chair.