(Supplied/@TimeOutWithTheTwins)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

showing what is possible

World record holder Nicholas Bennett expects swimming medal at Paris 2024 Paralympics

Aug 25, 2024 | 8:30 AM

Nicholas Bennett is the world record holder in the 200 IM for his classification (S14 | SB14), and fully expects himself to medal at the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, running Aug. 28-Sept. 8.

Bennett, who is from Parksville on Vancouver Island, has taken up residence in Red Deer over the past year to train under the tutelage of his sister Haley Bennett-Osborne, the head coach at Red Deer’s Catalina Swim Club.

Bennett rounds out a trio of local athletes competing in Paris this summer between the Olympics and Paralympics, with the other two being BMX star Molly Simpson and 2021 Olympic silver medallist Rebecca Smith.

This isn’t the 20-year-old’s first kick at the can either as he competed at the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics, where he made three finals.

Bennett says it’s an honour to once again represent his country.

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“We’re dealing with some of the hardest-working athletes here that I’ve ever seen. These guys are putting their disability behind them and throwing down as hard as they can,” says Bennett, who has autism. “We’re trying to show the world why we’re the best.”

(Supplied/@TimeOutWithTheTwins)

Bennett was diagnosed at age three and underwent several years of therapy, he shares. At seven, he began swimming, and made his first national team at age 15.

“People say I’m an inspiration at times, but I hope to be a role model as I get older,” he says. “I want to be someone others look up to.”

Reports indicate tickets for the Paralympics have sold very well, which makes Bennett even more eager to get the competition going.

“Tokyo was during COVID so we had no one in the stands. You could hear a pin drop the entire time,” he says. “It’ll be amazing to have everyone there cheering.”

In Japan, Bennett placed 5th in the 100 metre breaststroke, 6th in the 200 metre freestyle, and 7th in the 200 IM. He hopes to add a 100 metre backstroke final to his résumé in Paris.

For his sister, being there to coach her brother is an exciting culmination of a lot of hard work.

“The coach and athlete relationship is close anyways, but having all the context of his background and us being siblings makes it that much more special,” the former Ravensong Aquatics Club member says.

“He’s a role model not just because of his ability, but because of the person that he is; he’s very thoughtful and very kind.”

(Supplied/@TimeOutWithTheTwins)

Speaking to autism and how she’s seen her brother handle it growing up, Bennett-Osborne adds that it would be beneficial for people to understand the meaning of ‘neurodevelopmental disorder.’

“People with autism, neurologically speaking, experience the world in a different way than you or I. It’s not just odd behaviour for the sake of it,’ she explains. “There’s a reason for it, and I hope people can be more open and patient with that aspect of it.”

Bennett-Osborne has three other athletes under her watch for the Games, those being Edmonton’s Reid Maxwell, Sabrina Duchesne of Quebec City, and Katie Cosgriffe from Oakville.

According to Olympics.com, Nicholas Bennett’s race times (all MT) will be as follows:

200m free

Heats: 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 31
Finals: 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 31

100m breast

Heats: 1:30 a.m. on Sept. 2
Finals: 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 2

200m IM (world record – 2:05.97, May 16, 2024, Toronto, Canadian Paralympics trials)

Heats: 1:30 a.m. on Sept. 4
Finals: 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 4

100m back

Heats: 1:30 a.m. on Sept. 6
Finals: 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 6

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