Petitclerc for UK Athletics

Chantal Petitclerc for UK Athletics

OTTAWA – Athletics Canada congratulates today Chantal Petitclerc of Montreal, Que., who has accepted a coaching position with UK Athletics for the upcoming 2012 Paralympic Games in London.  “Athletics Canada wishes Chantal all the best in her role as coach and mentor with Great Britain’s Paralympics team.  I have no doubt that Chantal’s tremendous career will lead to a bright coaching future,” states Rob Guy, Chief Executive Officer of Athletics Canada.  Guy adds, “We look forward to crossing paths again.”

With UK Athletics Petitclerc joins her former personal coach Peter Eriksson who is Head Coach of the Athletics Paralympic program.  “Accepting this position was a very difficult decision to make given my intense pride and loyalty to Canada as a Paralympic athlete,” said Chantal. “However, this opportunity is one that will provide me with unique international coaching education and experience that will be invaluable both on a personal and professional level as I make the transition from a retired athlete to a full time career in sport.”

Athletics Canada Para-Athletics Head Coach Ozzie Sawicki sees the right tools and skill set in Chantal to be successful in coaching, “Chantal has the knowledge and personality to become a fabulous coach, I certainly wish Chantal the best in her experience moving forward and view this as a long term benefit leading to future opportunities within the Canadian Para-Athletics community.”

The most decorated track and field athlete in Canadian history, Chantal Petitclerc is best known for her back to back gold medal sweeps at the 2004 and 2008 Paralympic Games.  Her athletics’ career has seen her earn 21 Paralympic medals (14 gold, 5 silver and 2 bronze).  Her career also includes an Olympic gold at the 2004 Games along with four world and five Canadian records.  In 2010 Chantal was inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame and in 2008 was named the recipient of the prestigious Lou Marsh trophy as Canada’s top athlete.