Aurélie Rivard stands as one of Canada’s most decorated Paralympic athletes. Her career in para swimming is a story of consistent excellence and groundbreaking achievements.
At the Paris 2024 Games, she made history. The swimmer became the first Canadian woman to medal at four consecutive Paralympics.
She also secured a third straight gold in the 400m freestyle S10, another first for a Canadian swimmer. This moment cemented a legacy built over more than a decade.
Her journey to the top included a stunning performance at Rio 2016. There, she won three gold medals and a silver, setting world records.
That success earned her the honor of carrying Canada’s flag at the closing ceremony. It was a recognition of her outstanding impact on sports.
Competing in S10, SB9, and SM10 classifications, she turned a physical difference into a source of strength. Her 13 Paralympic medals are a testament to pure grit.
This is the path of a champion who redefined what is possible in the pool.
Early Journey and Foundations
The water became her sanctuary long before it became her stage. For Aurélie Rivard, swimming offered escape from childhood struggles that shaped her resilience.
Background, Birth, and Early Challenges
Born in 1996 with an underdeveloped left hand, the athlete grew up alongside her twin sister Charlotte. For years, she felt no different from her family. This changed around age twelve.
Entering a specialized sports school separated her from her sister. Classmates targeted her disability with cruel taunts and exclusion. The presence of her twin sister intensified these painful comparisons.
She wondered why anyone would choose “the incomplete version” when the “full version” stood nearby. Panic attacks and self-doubt nearly ended her swimming career before it truly began.
Local Training and Transition to Elite Swimming
At twelve years old, Rivard channeled her struggles into competitive swimming. She joined Club de natation du Haut-Richelieu in her hometown. The pool became her refuge where her hand didn’t matter.
Her speed in the water spoke louder than any cruelty. Training sessions grew longer as she turned anger into determination. This local foundation built the skills for greater achievements.
In 2017, she moved to Montreal’s High Performance Center. Coach Marc-André Pelletier guided her transition to world-class competition. This shift marked her commitment to elite para swimming.
| Year | Milestone | Location | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Birth | Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu | Born with underdeveloped left hand |
| 2008 | Started Competitive Swimming | Local Swim Club | Began channeling challenges into sport |
| 2012 | First International Competition | London Paralympics | Initial exposure to elite para swimming |
| 2017 | Transition to Elite Training | Montreal High Performance Center | Full-time commitment to world-class career |
Career Milestones and Paralympic Achievements
A silver medal in London was just the start. It ignited a medal-collecting spree that would span over a decade.
Breakthrough at the London 2012 Paralympic Games
At just 16, she arrived at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Entering six events, she claimed a silver medal in the 400 freestyle S10.
This performance silenced doubts and announced her arrival on the world stage.
Medal Highlights and World Championship Successes
The years between Paralympic Games were filled with podium finishes. At the 2015 World Championships, she won two gold medals.
She also set a world record in the 100 freestyle. This momentum built towards the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
Historic Performances at Major International Events
Rio 2016 was a defining moment. Rivard shattered world records while winning three gold medals and one silver.
Her dominance continued through the Tokyo 2020 Games. There, she secured five more medals.
At Paris 2024, she made history. The athlete became the first Canadian woman to medal at four consecutive Paralympics.
She cemented her legacy with a third straight gold in the 400 freestyle S10.
Aurélie Rivard: Triumphs, Technique, and Records
The numbers tell a story of relentless precision and power. They chart a career defined by breaking barriers and setting new standards in para swimming.
Signature Events and Record-Breaking Performances
Rivard commands the freestyle distances in the S10 classification. Her historic three-peat gold in the 400 freestyle S10 is legendary.
Her dominance extends to the individual medley SM10, where she has consistently medaled at the highest level. She earned silver in this event at Rio 2016 and gold at world championships.
At one point, she held a stunning sweep of world records across four freestyle events.
- 50m freestyle S10: 27.37 seconds (Rio 2016)
- 100m freestyle S10: 58.14 seconds (Tokyo 2020)
- 400m freestyle S10: 4:24.08 (Tokyo 2020)
Personal Bests, World Records, and Training Insights
These times showcase explosive speed and incredible endurance. Each personal best is a testament to years of disciplined work.
Training under coach Marc-André Pelletier, she refined a philosophy of “healthy selfishness.” This means prioritizing her own needs to be a better teammate.
Swimming Canada recognized this excellence a record six times. They named her Female Para-Swimmer of the Year more than any other athlete.
Her career is a masterclass in sustained world-class performance.
Final Reflections and Lasting Legacy
Her impact stretches far past the pool’s edge, touching lives and changing perceptions. Aurélie Rivard’s career represents a shift in how society views para swimming and disability sports. The medals tell only part of the story.
She championed equal recognition for Paralympians, leading to policy changes by the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Swimming Canada. This ensures future women in sports receive the same respect as Olympic athletes. Her advocacy extends to public speaking about bullying and self-worth.
The swimmer’s bond with her twin sister Charlotte remains central to her journey. It symbolizes the support system that fuels great careers. At 29, with more events ahead, Aurélie Rivard continues to inspire young athletes worldwide.
Her legacy is not just in records broken but in barriers removed. She proved that excellence knows no physical limits.
