Paralympic swim star Aurelie Rivard feeling pressure as ‘girl to beat’ in Rio

OTTAWA — When Aurelie Rivard competed at the London Paralympics four years ago, she had the luxury of flying under the radar.

Four years later, a lot has changed for the star swimmer.

She’s since become the reigning world champion in the 50-metre and 400-metre freestyle and world record-holder in the 100-metre freestyle. Rivard admits to feeling some pressure heading into the Rio Paralympics, which kick off Sept. 7.

“There’s definitely a lot more pressure than when I was in London,” said Rivard, who won a silver medal in 2012. “There, I was a kid and had nothing to lose. Now I’m kind of the girl to beat so there’s a lot of pressure from the outside world — from myself as well.”

But Rivard, officially named Thursday to Canada’s 22-member Paralympic swimming roster, said she has never been more prepared.

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“All year long it’s been a good year for me,” said the 20-year-old from St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., who was born with an underdeveloped left hand. “I’m exactly where I want to be in my training.”

One of Canada’s biggest stars at last summer’s Parapan American Games in Toronto after winning four golds, Rivard will also be a threat in multiple events in Rio.

As they gathered for the team’s official introduction, many of the athletes said they will be watching as the Olympics unfold in a few weeks amid concerns about water-borne bacteria, crime, security, the Zika virus and Brazil’s economic and political troubles.

The main goal is to stay focused and enjoy their time in the spotlight, veteran Paralympian Benoit Huot said.

“At the end of the day, when I take a step back and think about the last 20 years, what’s most important is the journey,” said Huot, who will be competing in his fifth Games.

Huot, 32, said he’ll be drawing energy from more than a dozen rookies on the team.

“It’s magic,” he said.

Canadian swimmers won 16 medals at the London Paralympics, the biggest haul of any sport where Canada was represented.

The athletes hope to bring home more this time, although the team is in a rebuilding phase, said Sports Minister Carla Qualtrough.

“Medals are important, I won’t say they’re not,” said Qualtrough, who competed in swimming at the 1988 and 1992 Paralympics.

“(But) the Paralympic side in particular is in a year of transition,” she added. “So we’re really looking at doing better than London, but rebuilding the team this year.”

As for concerns about whether Brazil is fully prepared to host the Olympics, Qualtrough said she’s not worried about the athletes, who will be living in the “bubble” of the Olympic Village.

“I have every confidence that, from the athletes’ point of view the experience will be one of a lifetime for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” she said. “I think if you’re a spectator or a parent or a fan, you might have to have a little patience.”

Qualtrough is planning to attend both Games while Gov. Gen. David Johnston is scheduled to represent Canada at the opening ceremonies for the Summer Games on Aug. 5.

The Paralympic Games will be held from Sept. 7 to 18.

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Terry Pedwell, The Canadian Press