Michelle Stilwell Named BC Athletics Female Para-Athlete of the Year

For the eighth year in a row, Michelle Stilwell has been named the BC Athletics Female Athlete with a Disability of the Year. The wheelchair racing powerhouse was awarded the honour for winning three gold medals and setting one World Record at this year's 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships.

"Michelle shows no sign of slowing down," said BC Wheelchair Sports Association Executive Director Gail Hamamoto. "She's an excellent role model for up-and-coming wheelchair athletes in BC."

This year was one of many milestones for Michelle Stilwell both on and off the track. Despite winning a seat as the Parksville-Qualicum MLA, Stilwell had a stellar performance at the 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships in Lyon, France. She set a world record in the 800m (2:14.79) and a championship record in the 200m (25.71) for the T52 classification. In all, Stilwell finished with gold medals in the 200m, 400m and 800m and regained her position as the most dominant athlete in her class after losing the 100m at the 2012 London Paralympic Games.

In addition to her World Record performance at the World Championships, Stilwell also set a World Record in January this year in the 200m at the Summer Down Under in Canberra, Australia with a time of 33.19. In that series, she won gold in the 100m, 200m, 400m and even the 10k.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Arley McNeney
Communication Manager
BC Wheelchair Sports Association
Cell: 778-788-9091
Email: arley@bcwheelchairsports.com