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MEXICO CITY- Canada has not sent a powerlifter to the Paralympic Games since Kenneth Doyle finished fourth in the men\u2019s 82.5-kilogram division at Athens 2004.<\/p>\n
But there is renewed optimism that the country could soon return to the international spotlight.<\/p>\n
Three Canadians were among a strong field of 180 athletes from 20 nations this past weekend who competed for valuable ranking\u00a0points towards LA28 at the Parapan American Open in Mexico City.<\/p>\n
Tabetha Telford of British Columbia says the sport is gaining momentum in Canada, with athletes setting their sights on the 2027 Parapan American Games in Lima and potentially LA28.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe announcer this weekend was a Canadian and when he saw us at dinner one night he was very surprised and wanted to confirm that we were there as the Canadian team,\u201d she told the Para Sport Nation podcast.\u00a0 \u201cHe was excited to announce Canadians on the international stage for the first time in a few years.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nDaryl Yuen of Vancouver took eighth spot in the men\u2019s 97 kilos competition as did Kimberly Neary of Halifax in the women\u2019s 73 kilos. Telford rounded out the Canadian results with 10th<\/sup> in the women\u2019s 67 kilos.<\/p>\n Yuen initially started his Para sport career in track and field in 2017 but switched to powerlifting in 2025. Earlier this year he won the B.C. provincial title and the Kraken Open.<\/p>\n For the Canadian contingent, the Mexico City competition was another step towards rebuilding the country\u2019s international presence.<\/p>\n Canada has not competed in powerlifting at the Parapan American Games since Toronto 2015, but Telford hopes that will change next year in Lima.<\/p>\n \u201cWith more athletes participating, we are already discussing what international meets are going to look like for next year. Some of us are trying to qualify for the Parapan Ams next year and seeing if we have a chance to make it to LA28.\u201d<\/p>\n Neary also left Mexico encouraged by the experience.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a competition for the books,\u201d she wrote on Instagram. \u201cWhile I didn\u2019t get all 3 lifts like one always hopes. It was a powerful space to be in. I\u2019m so glad I got to meet so many other amazing lifters.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n 14 Paralympians from Milano Cortina named to Team Canada for Para Hockey Cup<\/strong><\/p>\n Hockey Canada unveiled the 20 players who will be part of Canada\u2019s National Para Hockey Team at the 2026 International Para Hockey (IPH) Cup, Oct. 18-24 in Nymburk, Czechia<\/a>.<\/p>\n