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Paralympian, MLA, Provincial Minister – The many facets of Rio bound Michelle Stilwell

Sep 9, 2016 | 9:48 AM

NANAIMO — It’s a juggling act to be sure for Michelle Stilwell — she’s the MLA for Parksville-Qualicum, BC’s Minister for Social Development and Social Innovation, and she’s also one of Canada’s most accomplished paralympians.
 
This week she’s taking a break from politics to once again represent Canada, and Vancouver Island, at the Paralympic Games in Rio.
 
When asked how she could fit everything in, Stilwell’s answer was simple – “I just do.”
 
“There are many olympians and paralympians who have full-time jobs, so I’m just one of many who have made the commitment to pursue my passion and my career at the same time,” said Stilwell. 
 
“When you’re asking athletes how they do it, it’s like asking a parent with young children who works full-time and still finds the time to pursue their passion how they do it.  I think you find most of them just say ‘they do’.  I have to be fairly well regimented in my time management and my schedule. I think that is really the key to anyone’s success when they have a goal that they want to achieve.”
 
The 2012 Games in London were supposed to be the last for Stilwell, but a silver medal in the 100 metre race spurred her on to regain that gold medal form she had at the Games in 2008.
 
Stilwell took gold at the 2013 IPC World Championships and the 2015 Parapan American Games and at the age of 42 she believes she can capture gold in the 100M again.
 
There are many aspects of her athletic career and her political career that feed into each other, and Stilwell credits both for helping her grow as a person.
 
“The power of sport and what it brings to an individual’s life, the ability to have focus, to have commitment and dedication, sacrifices, to work towards achieving a goal. All those qualities are great characteristics to bring into any job, whether it’s the political arena or not. It’s certainly another aspect of myself.”
 
As Stilwell gets ready for her first event on Saturday, she points out that the warm support from the community means alot to her.
 
Her first event is the 400M race on September 10 and her final event is the coveted 100M event on September 17. 
 
Both start at 7 a.m. Pacific time.
 
When Stilwell was asked about the possibility of competing at the Paralympics in 2020 she wouldn’t rule it out, only saying she’s focused on the moment and what she’s trying to achieve today.