A Podium Push With a Focus on the Journey

The roar of the crowd, the adrenaline pumping through veins, the feeling of fierce competition – these are the elements that drive athletes to push their limits. For the Canadian Wheelchair Rugby team, these are the very elements that will define their journey at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. While a podium finish is undoubtedly a goal, veteran player Zak Madell acknowledges that the journey itself holds immense value.

"It’s a little different this time around," Madell said. "We’ve gone in as the underdogs, we’ve gone in as the favourites, we’ve gone in not knowing what to expect with COVID going on. This time around, I think we just need to be prepared for anything that the world throws at us."

Experience Shapes Perspective

Madell, a four-time Paralympian and three-time Parapan Am Games medallist, is a seasoned veteran in the sport. His experience has shaped his perspective on the Games, emphasizing the importance of savouring each moment.

"I count my blessings every time I get to compete for Canada and represent the nation playing a sport that I love," he said. "Going to these Games, obviously winning is one of the things on our checklist and a priority of ours, but just really going and living in the moment. I know in the past, we’ve been so focused on the outcome and the results and if you don’t get that it really sours the experience."

He added, "I want to make sure that if this is my last Games, that I have a lot of fond memories and stopping and smelling the roses a little bit, taking the village for what it has to offer, enjoying Paris, making sure we’re not tiring ourselves and showing up prepped for the Games, but just focusing on the journey as much as the destination."

A Strong Team, Ready to Take on the World

While Madell reflects on his journey, the Canadian team is a force to be reckoned with. They’ve finished second, fourth and fifth at the past three Paralympics, and Madell is confident in the team’s capabilities.

"I’m pretty confident in this squad we have now," he added. "We’re playing some of the best rugby I’ve seen in a long time, we’ve got some young, new, exciting up-and-comers who are bringing some really positive assets to the team. We’re number-five in the world going in so if we can show up with not too much pressure we can hopefully show up and take the world by storm and surprise some of these teams and have a couple of fun upsets. Canada is usually good for one or two of those in a tournament."

The Rise of Wheelchair Rugby

The global wheelchair rugby scene has evolved significantly since Madell’s debut at the 2012 London Games. The sport has become more competitive and diverse.

"The whole world has come such a long way, any one of these teams could end up on the podium, or even winning gold," Madell said. "Back then there was a lot less parity, where there were three, maybe four teams likely to be on that podium and then a drop-off to that next tier. There are so many tough teams in the world now. The South American teams are better every time we see them, we’re seeing more and more powerhouses coming out of Europe."

A Legacy of Leadership

With experience comes leadership, and Madell is a key leader for the Canadian team. He’s a vocal presence on the court, fostering communication and camaraderie among his teammates.

"I try to be as vocal as possible, because communication on the rugby court makes it easier for everyone out there," he said. "And just being a good teammate, the more you’re talking with them, but also knowing I’ve got to set the tone a little bit and bring some of the energy. It picks up your teammates and vice versa."

The Road to Paris

The Canadian wheelchair rugby team’s journey to Paris has been marked by challenges and triumphs. The pandemic presented a significant hurdle for recruitment and development, but the team has persevered. They are now ready to face their opponents in Paris, starting with a crucial match against their long-standing rival, Team U.S.A., on August 29.

"We have our eyes on that prize at the end of the tournament and would like to be on that podium," Madell said.

Beyond the Court

Beyond the competitive realm, Madell is deeply involved in the adaptive sports community, working for Wheelchair Sports Alberta. He’s passionate about providing opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sports and lead active lives.

His journey into adaptive sports began after he lost his fingers and legs to a septic staph infection at the age of 10. He explored sledge hockey and wheelchair basketball before discovering his calling in wheelchair rugby. Madell, who is a member of the Holy Trinity Academy Wall of Fame, has been living and training in Victoria for the past 12 months.

A Moment of Pride for Windsor

While Madell is a key figure for the Canadian team, another pair of athletes from Windsor, Ontario, are also set to make their mark in Paris. Mike Whitehead and Matt Debly are both ready to represent their country in wheelchair rugby.

Whitehead, who’s competing in his sixth Paralympic Games, is excited to share this experience with his teammates, particularly Debly, who’s participating in his first Games.

"Watching guys like Matt and my teammates have a really nice time is one of the big highlights for me,” said Whitehead. "Then competing at the world stage against the best in the world—no better way to see if your training and hard work has paid off."

Debly, who’s trying to keep his expectations in check, is looking forward to absorbing the experiences of the Paralympic Village. "I’m sort of being an empty page and just letting the experiences kind of happen. I’m excited for finding out what the village is like."

A Shared Passion for the Sport

Both athletes share a passion for the physicality and camaraderie of wheelchair rugby. Debly is particularly drawn to the full-contact aspect of the sport. "It’s the only para sport where you can have full chair contact, so there’s a lot of hitting and bumping of the chairs, but the truth is: it’s always been the rugby community. It’s so very different from other sports that I’ve been a part of, in the sense that everybody, no matter who you are, where you are, or where you are in your journey, both on the court and off the court."

Whitehead, on the other hand, cherishes the travel, camaraderie, and opportunity to represent Canada on the world stage. "I love how the sport allows me to travel, hang out with friends and get paid to represent Canada on a national stage—calling it a ‘dream come true.’"

Looking Forward

Whitehead, who’s turning 49 this fall, is determined to stay physically fit for the demands of the sport. He’s committed to training year-round and is confident in his abilities. "I train really hard, year round. We did a time trial, and I’m still keeping up with Matt here, who’s got a few decades on me. Our sports science team keeps me fresh and keeps me young."

As for how much longer he plans to compete, Whitehead is taking things one year at a time. "I go year to year. I’ll always play recreationally, that’s for sure, at the club level. International level, it’s quite a commitment. There’s a lot of pressure to win. We’ll see what happens in a few months."

A Medal Contender

Despite their different levels of experience, both Madell and Whitehead believe that the Canadian wheelchair rugby team has a strong chance of claiming a medal in Paris. They’ve proven themselves against the best in the world, and they’re ready to give it their all.

"We’ve beaten everybody in the world, and they’ve beaten us. We definitely have a very solid chance," said Whitehead.

The Canadian wheelchair rugby team will be competing in the Paralympic Games in Paris from August 28 to September 8. Their journey will be one of dedication, resilience, and a shared love for the sport. They're ready to take on the world, and they’re ready to make Canada proud.