'I have always pushed myself to set the bar high': Kyle Tremblay set to make Paralympic debut this summer
The Parapan Am Games medallist is Canada's only Para archer going to Paris 2024.
Kyle Tremblay was nominated to compete for Canada in Para archery at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in August, it was announced by the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Archery Canada on Friday.
The 32-year-old from Deep River, Ontario will make his Paralympic debut in Paris, and is the only Canadian set to compete in the sport this summer. Tremblay earned Canada’s quota spot in the men’s individual compound open event with a dramatic victory in a one-shot winner-takes-all round in the bronze medal match of the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games, hitting the bullseye with his final attempt.
That medal was his first at a major multi-sport games, and came in his first season back on the national team after missing three years due to illness.
“On that last shot I just told myself don’t shoot a nine again and lose,” said Tremblay after winning bronze in Santiago. “I wanted this one for Canada. I earned us a spot [for Paris] here, but going home with a medal just makes it that much sweeter.”
Most recently, in April, Tremblay picked up a bronze medal at the Para Pan American Championships in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
He is currently ranked 12th in the world in his event, and holds the Canadian record for the best round, with 703 out of a possible 720 points — set in 2018 at the Ontario Provincial Championships.
Now, he is set to make his first foray onto the Paralympic stage.
“Competing at my first Paralympic Games will be the biggest highlight and achievement in my archery career,” said Tremblay in a press release. “I have been preparing for this event since coming back to the sport in 2023, knowing that if I put everything I had into it, I could make it. Everything I have learned and had to overcome on my journey to get here has given me the best insight and confidence in myself and has also taught me how I need to prepare for such a big and prestigious event.
“Although it has taken me longer to get here than I had hoped, I feel that overcoming all the setbacks and putting in the sweat and hours of hard work has given me even more physical strength and mental fortitude to be more prepared for my Paralympic debut. I have always pushed myself to set the bar high, and I am so honoured and proud to represent Canada in archery at the 2024 Paralympic Games!”
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will take place from August 28 to September 8 in the French capital, with Para archery scheduled for August 29 to September 5 at Esplanade des Invalides in Paris. The men’s compound open is scheduled for August 29 and 30, and September 1.
Tremblay was the second athlete named to the Canadian Paralympic team this week, after Para badminton player Yuka Chokyu was nominated on Thursday.
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