B.C.’s Adam Rahier wins swimming gold for Canada at Global Games

LOANO, Italy (September 29, 2011) - Adam Rahier of Powell River, B.C., capped a triple medal performance for Canadian para swimmers on Thursday at the Global Games with gold in the men’s 200-metre backstroke.  Michael Heath of Woodstock, Ont., and Kirstie Kasko of Okotoks, Alta., each added a bronze.

The swimming competition at the Global Games features athletes in the S14 disability category (intellectual disability) as they tune-up for next year’s Paralympic Games in London.

Rahier posted a personal best time in his win.

‘’I was very satisfied with that performance,’’ said Rahier.  ‘’It took a lot of training to achieve that time.  I focused today on having a good start, being positive and following the advice of my coach.’’

Mike Qing of Regina took fourth spot and Dalton Boon of Tsawwassen, B.C., was seventh.

Heath earned his bronze in the men’s 200 individual medley.  ‘’The 200 IM is my second best event so it was important for me to do well here,’’ he said.  ‘’The best parts for me were my butterfly and freestyle, especially the last 20 metres as we all came down to the finish.’’

Justin Morrier of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., was sixth.

Kasko took third spot in the women’s 200 backstroke.  ‘’I came pretty close to my best time, so I’m happy with the race,’’ she said.  ‘’My kick was stronger than in prelims, and I’ve gained a lot more confidence with my underwater start.’’

Canada was also fifth in the men’s 4X100 freestyle relay with Rahier, Qing, Heath and Maxime Rouselle of St. Alexandre, Que.

‘’We are proud of all the performances so far,’’ said Craig McCord, Swimming Canada’s para swimming head coach.  ‘’These kids have just come off their peak event in August, so it’s a start of a new season and they’ve come in here and delivered some top performances.  The competition is tough, there are no easy races and they are going to get better and better.’’

Swimming races resume on Saturday.