Para Sport Nation

After nearly a decade representing Team Canada in para cycling, Keely Shaw is officially retiring from competition — and she’s doing it entirely on her own terms. In this honest and emotional conversation with Nathan Clement and Alex Smyth, Keely opens up about why now was the right time to step away, how she rediscovered her love for movement, and what’s next as she transitions from athlete to academic and sport researcher.

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About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

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This episode of Para Sport Nation dives into the preparation and mindset of Canadian para climber Jeremy Ritchie ahead of the 2025 IFSC Para Climbing World Cup. Jeremy shares insights on his training routine, overcoming injuries, and using adaptive equipment to push his limits. He discusses the mental focus required for elite climbing, the camaraderie within the Canadian para climbing team, and the excitement of competing internationally.

Nathan and producer Jeff also reflect on the idea of a “Canadian sports team” in major professional leagues and update listeners on Canada’s para ice hockey team’s preparation for upcoming international tournaments. The episode wraps up with a fun segment on guessing lesser-known Paris 2025 Paralympic sports.

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About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

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In this episode, Nate Tucker, world champion para-athlete, takes us behind the scenes of elite para-athletics. From his early experiences growing up with a coordination impairment to winning the T-38 1500m World Championship, Nate reveals the mental strategies, creative training techniques, and lifestyle habits that help him stay at the top of his sport.

Listeners and viewers will hear about the challenges of balancing life, family, and professional sport, including how he prepares for races, adapts to tough conditions, and leverages support from coaches, sponsors, and his community. Nate also shares his thoughts on the evolution of para-athletics, including record-breaking performances, the rising competitiveness of his class, and the future of the sport leading into the 2028 Paralympics.

This episode offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a champion: the dedication, resilience, and creativity required to succeed in high-performance adaptive sports—and inspiration for anyone striving to overcome challenges in their own life.

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About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

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In this episode para rower Stuart Chase opens up about the highs and lows of Canada’s 2025 World Rowing Championship campaign in Shanghai. The team—made entirely of first-time world championship athletes—faced unexpected challenges, including a prosthetic malfunction mid-race. Despite setbacks, the crew showed grit and pride in their final push against Spain.

Stu discusses lessons from the season, training on Vancouver’s west coast through the winter, and the importance of finding rhythm both on and off the water. He shares his introduction to rowing after transitioning from para canoe kayak, his first international medal at the Henley Regatta, and his passion for showing the human side of para sport through social media.

Listeners also get a glimpse into the unique nature of para rowing—where athletes with different disabilities synchronize perfectly in pursuit of shared motion—and hear about Stu’s favorite training spots across Vancouver, Burnaby Lake, and Whistler’s Green Lake!

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About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

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After more than two decades in wheelchair curling, Dennis Thiessen opens up about what it feels like to step away from competition. Speaking with Nathan, Thiessen shares powerful memories from the Paralympic Games in Sochi, PyeongChang, and Beijing, his emotional final tournament, and the teammates and rivals who shaped his journey.

He also reflects on how wheelchair curling has evolved — from homemade delivery sticks to world-class adaptive equipment — and what it means to represent Team Canada at the highest level. With honesty and warmth, Thiessen talks about family, mentorship, pride, and the legacy he hopes to leave for future generations of curlers.

Plus, Nathan and Producer Jeff draft their ultimate Thanksgiving feast!

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About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

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Michael Sametz shares his journey from a horrible leg injury just before the Paris Paralympics to a triumphant return on the international cycling stage. He details the emergency surgery, rigorous rehabilitation, and disciplined training that allowed him to return stronger than ever. Michael also reflects on the challenges and excitement of the Belgium World Championships, highlighting the course, competitive dynamics in C3 para-cycling, and the growth of the sport toward higher professionalism and aerodynamics-focused strategies.

Beyond racing, Michael discusses his role on the board of Athletes Can, the Canadian organization representing national team athletes, including the upcoming 2025 Athletes Forum in Calgary. He also shares personal insights into training, nutrition, and his favorite coffee routines, illustrating both the dedication and lifestyle behind elite para cycling performance.

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About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

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Fresh off the 2025 World Para Swimming Championships, Danielle Dorris chats with Nathan to break down her latest achievements in Singapore. She opens up about setting a new championship record in the 50m butterfly, her silver medal in the 100m backstroke, and how she balances personal expectations with the pressure of international competition.

The conversation highlights Danielle’s long-standing partnership with coach Ryan Allen, offering a rare look at the trust and bond that has carried her career from age 12 to becoming a world champion. Danielle also reflects on the team’s successful training camp in Phuket, the strength of the Canadian para swimming squad, and how these results fuel momentum heading into LA 2028.

Plus, Producer Jeff quizzes Nathan on a mini edition of “Guess That Para Sport”!

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About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

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This conversation dives into the world of Showdown—a tactile, sound-based sport where athletes compete on a table using wooden paddles, a ball filled with bearings, and blackout eye shades for an even playing field.

Jerri Mather and Millie Britton from the Sheffield Strikers share how they discovered the game through their local blind centre and how it helped them navigate vision loss, build confidence, and connect with others.

They explain equipment essentials like gloves, bats, and eye shields, describe the UK’s emerging Showdown scene, and talk about training sessions that balance fun and high-level skill development.

The athletes also discuss international tournaments, the sport’s growth across Europe, and the possibility of Showdown becoming a future Paralympic event. Their stories highlight the camaraderie, empowerment, and joy that adaptive sports bring to their community.

Plus, the guys have a little fun as they go back and forth debating which are the best sport cities in the world!

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About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

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Brianna Hennessy shares the intense highs and lows of elite sport—from the pride of representing Canada to the frustration of a world-title race disrupted by a critical equipment mishap. In this candid conversation with Nathan and Alex, she details how a loose foam block and strong crosswind nearly disqualified her mid-race, yet she still powered to silver.

Brianna opens up about the mental battle of staying focused when her boat threatened to drift, how lessons from her boxing background helped her adapt on the fly, and why this setback fuels her determination to win gold in Los Angeles. She also talks about her multi-sport life in wheelchair rugby, upcoming training camps in Florida and California, and her passion for advocating accessibility and athlete support.

The episode wraps with a spirited “Would You Rather” segment, revealing Brianna’s competitive mindset, love of team culture, and the legacy she hopes to leave for Canadian sport.

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About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

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Canada’s para ice hockey program is zeroed in on the 2026 Winter Paralympics, and this episode gives an inside look at the drive, talent, and personalities fueling that pursuit. Alex sits down with stars Liam Hickey and Dominic Cozzolino during the CPC Media Summit to reflect on the lessons from their 2024 World Championship win, the impact of the team’s evolving coaching staff, and the mental and physical preparation needed to chase gold in Milano-Cortina.

Alex and Nathan also analyze the Enhanced Games, a new Las Vegas event where competitors can use performance-enhancing substances under medical supervision for million-dollar prizes. Together they weigh the allure of guaranteed athlete pay against the health dangers, ethical concerns, and lasting impact on athletic legacies, offering a balanced look at sport’s evolving landscape.

The conversation shifts gears with a playful “Would You Rather” segment—debating cold showers, summer versus winter para sports, and the challenge of scoring in para ice hockey compared with wheelchair rugby.

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About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

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