Rio stars Rivard, Chernove win Canadian Paralympic Committee’s Athlete Awards
OTTAWA — Swimmer Aurelie Rivard was named best female athlete and cyclist Tristen Chernove took home best Games debut honours Friday night at the 2017 Canadian Paralympic Hall of Fame and Sport Awards ceremony.
Rivard of St-Jean-sur Richelieu, Que., was Canada’s top medal producer at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio, winning four medals in the pool, including three gold and one silver.
“I still feel like yesterday I was this 13-year-old girl making her first national team and never would have thought that I would be a three-time gold medallist and winning the athlete of the year award,” Rivard said. “I have my eyes on Tokyo for sure, so hopefully I can make you guys proud again in the next four years.”
Chernove of Cranbrook, B.C., spearheaded a record nine-medal performance for Canada’s Para cycling team in Rio. He took gold in the time trial road race, silver in the individual pursuit and bronze in the 1,000-metre time trial.