This N.L. Paralympian is heading to her 5th Games. The excitement and nerves are still the same

As the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Gameswrap up, the Paralympicsare about to begin.

For two-time Paralympic medallist Katarina Roxon, it's a familiar routine.

The eventin Paris will mark herfifth time competingin the Paralympics giving herthe record for most Paralympic Games appearances by a Canadian female athlete.

Roxon told CBC News on Sundaythe nerves before a competition will probably never go away. However, thosenerves are mixed with excitement.

"It's always super-exciting to represent your family, your town, your province, your country on whatever stage it is," she said.

Roxondebuted when she wasjust 15 years old, when she went to Beijing with Team Canada for the 2008 Games. She placed12th in the 100-metre breaststroke but only improved from there.

In 2012, Roxon placed fifth, and in Rio in 2016 the swimmer brought homegold after winningthe 100-metre breaststroke.

The 2020 Games werewere delayed until 2021 with COVID-19 in full swing. Thatevent was far different than previous years, with no spectators in the venues to cheer onathletes.

Roxonplaced fourthand won bronze in the team event.

Competing atsuch level is just as much a physical as it is a mental game, she said.

"Talking to my family, talking to my pastor, all that stuff, it's really good. It's really helps ground me and keep me focused on what I need to do." Roxon said.

The Paralympic Games start Aug.28 and wind down Sept. 8. Roxon is scheduled to compete in the 100-metre breaststroke on Aug.30 and then compete again on Sept. 5 in the 200-metre swimming competition.

In previous Games, especially those where she wonmedals, she was only with her team. But this time, she saidshe's excited because her family, partnerand friends will be there with her, showering her with support.

Originally from the small town ofKippens,Roxon who was born without her left elbow saidshe knew only one other person who looked like her. It was through the Paralympics that she learned about athletes with various disabilities achieving incredible feats.

"We put ourselves out there, we push our bodies day in and day out, trying to be the absolute best that we can be and just wanting to make our families and our communities so, so proud," she said.

She saidthe Games matter as they show accessibility matters.

"So many more people know what the Paralympics are. It truly warms my heart," she said. "We're going in the right direction. And honestly, it's just going to get better from here."

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