August 27/21 9:20 am - O'Brien Wins Paralympic Silver

Posted by Editoress on 08/27/21
 

Canada's Kate O'Brien, the world record holder going into the Games and current world champion made her Paralympic debut on Friday in the women's C4 500 metre Time Trial, where she set a time of 35.439 to take home the silver medal behind Kadeena Cox of Great Britain. O'Brien beat Cox at the 2020 Para Track World Championships, when she set her world record, however, the Brit was faster this time, breaking the 35 second mark to set a new world record of 34.433 seconds.

"The race today was definitely harder than I anticipated," said O'Brien. "I felt like the start was pretty good and the last half lap I just didn't quite have it in me but that's ok. It's an amazing feeling being here with everyone and coming back after my injury four years ago. When I really think about the fact that I wasn't necessarily supposed to walk or ski or ride, it sort of blows my mind that I'm back on the track and doing the sport that I love."

Canada finished the track portion with three medals - silver for O'Brien and Tristan Chernove, and bronze for Keely Shaw. Chernove was scheduled for the 1000 metre time trial but did not start.