Dalton Boon will be swimming for Canada at the 2015 Para Pan Am Games, slated for this summer in Toronto.
The 20-year-old Winskill Dolphins Swim Club member from Ladner was among 40 athletes named to the Canadian team following a strong showing at last weekend's 2015 Can Am Para Championships and National Team Trials. The meet took place at the new Pan Am Sports Centre in Toronto.
Boon successfully defended his title in the 200 metre freestyle with a winning time of two minutes and 5.04 seconds. This will mark his third appearance on the national team, having previously represented Canada at last summer's Para Pan Pac Championships and the Para Pan Am's in 2011.
Boon also posted personal best times in 200m individual medley, 100m breaststroke,
and 100m backstroke.
Boon's longtime coach Amy Canuel chalks his achievement up to grit.
"Progress is not a straight-line and you must to be willing to manage the bumps in the road," she said. "Dalton's persistence and commitment paid off and he performed his best when it counted the most! A great moment for him and a great stepping-stone towards Rio 2016."
Boon had no time to enjoy his national team selection. He and the rest of his Canadian teammates are in Glasgowthis week for the British Para Swimming International. Canuel was also selected as lead coach for the trip.
The Para-swimming team is the first of 14 Canadian teams to be nominated for selection by the Canadian Paralympic Committee for the Parapan Am Games, which take place Aug. 7 to 15. Canada is expected to send approximately 220 athletes to the Games and has set a goal of finishing in the top three nations in the total medal count. Qualification is ongoing and the full team will be officially unveiled in July 2015.
"The chance to participate in a major Games when it's at home in Canada is something every athlete dreams of," added Canuel.
