2008-2009

On Sunday, in her final day of competition at the Beijing Paralympics, UVPCS swimmer Stephanie Dixon earned a sixth place in the 50 Freestyle, breaking the Canadian record in the process. Congratulations to you, Steph, and congratulations again to UVPCS coaches Ron Jacks and Peter Vizsolyi, and the Canadian Paralympic coaching staff.

Stephanie Dixon won Gold in World Record time today in Beijing in 100 Backstroke - congratulations, Steph, we are so proud of you!!

Congratulations as well to Stephanie's coaches Ron Jacks and Peter Vizsolyi and the coaching staff at the Paralympics.

Another day, another Silver medal, another Canadian record for Stephanie Dixon. Today's Silver arrived wrapped in the 400 Freestyle event, accompanied by nearly five seconds off her entry time into the event! Awesome swimming, Steph!!

Follow the results here.... Bonne chance and fast swimming to all in the days to come - go Canada! Go Steph!

The first two days of Stephanie Dixon's Beijing Paralympics yielded two Canadian records, with a fourth place and Bronze medal in the S9 100 Butterfly and 100 Freestyle respectively.

"I take it one day at a time and do the best swim that I can put together for each race. That's all I have control of." Carry on great swimming, Steph!

UVPCS swimmers Zac Parkes, Nicholas Sinclair, Kyle Scarff and Jayme Weimer have been named to the 2008 Short Course Provincial Teams. Congratulations to these swimmers and their coaches Rod Barratt, Peter Vizsolyi and Ron Jacks!

Allison Cross, Vancouver Sun

Somewhere between nine training sessions a week in water and on land and her studies at the University of Victoria, Paralympic swimmer Stephanie Dixon finds time to give back.

Although she was once told she'd never even ride a bike, she volunteers and teaches rock climbing to kids with disabilities, said Peter Vizsolyi, the head coach of UVic's swim team.

"She's an interesting girl. She has a tremendous amount of energy," Vizsolyi said. "She'll really step forward to do things."

CBC Sports Online

Canadian Paralympic athletes have been in a league of their own when competing at the Olympics.

The 2008 team consists of 143 athletes - the same number the Canadian Paralympic Committee sent to the 2004 Athens Games.

Canada finished third in the medal standings during the last two Paralympics, and Canadian officials are hoping for another top-five placing this year in Beijing.

With the Paralympics set to begin Sept. 7, here are 10 athletes who should help Canada reach its top-five goal...