Paralympic champion Stilwell answers to critics upon return from Rio
NANAIMO — Paralympic champion Michelle Stilwell returned from Rio sporting two new gold medals, seemingly unfazed by her critics.
Stilwell was greeted by a cheering crowd at Nanaimo Airport Wednesday afternoon, beaming as she wore her latest gold medal haul around her neck.
“So great. I just need to stop looking at people who are crying because it’s making me cry,” said the Parksville native when asked what it was like to return to such a warm welcome. “Paralympians work so hard every day to do what they love.”
The gold medals in the 100-metre and 400-metre T52 races in Rio were the sixth and seventh medals of Stilwell’s Paralympic career. Six of those are gold, the other silver. Her performance this year also included Paralympic record times in both races.