Manitoban triathlete prepares for Paralympic debut with dreams of gold in Paris – Winnipeg

Manitoban triathlete Leanne Tayor is gearing up for her Paralympic debut in Paris this year with hopes of clinching some gold medals.

After six years of dedicated training, Taylor is ready to compete in a sport she once thought was beyond her reach.

“I just remember feeling that joy of exercise — like when you get your heart rate up and you’re feeling strong and you feel good, and I just didn’t expect to feel that again as a paraplegic. So it was something I was just so excited about — it felt like coming back home,” she shared.

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Her journey took a turn in 2018 when Taylor was paralyzed from the waist down in a cycling accident. Determined to pursue triathlon, she left the hospital with a goal in mind, supported by her husband Scott.

“It’s just a dream come true, for something so bad to have happened to Leanne, to have something so positive come from it,” Scott expressed.

Taylor credits her husband for providing assistance during her races, and her family’s unwavering support as she heads to Paris.

Reflecting on her victory, Taylor recalled, “It was my first career win, and I realized I was gonna make the team from that result. So it was a really exciting way to do it, to come across the line for the very first time in first, at a race in Miami, and then be like, ‘Not only have I won this race, but I’m also going to the games.’ It was a really special moment for me.”

With 10 to 20 hours of training per week, Taylor feels determined and confident in her pursuit of the gold.

While aiming for gold in every race, Taylor sees her Paralympic debut as just the start of her Olympic journey, with plans to return for the Los Angeles games in 2028.

“It’s a real honor every time you get to put on the maple leaf and wear the kit and represent the country. And to be in Paris in front of my friends and family and kind of on that world stage for the first time, I think it’s going to be pretty extraordinary,” she expressed.

Carolyn Murray, the coach of all three Canadian paratriathletes heading to Paris, believes Taylor has a strong chance at winning a medal.

“I couldn’t be more proud of having these three athletes to coach and work with over these years. Each of them has shown that they’re ready for the podium,” Murray stated.

— With files from Global’s Katherine Dornian

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