Stefan Daniel to lead Canadian para-triathlon team in Rio

Stefan Daniel will be part of triathlon history when he represents Canada in the inaugural Paralympic event this summer in Rio de Janeiro. That might seem daunting for a 19-year-old athlete, but Daniel doesn't have to look very far for a trailblazing role model.

Daniel was one of four athletes named to Canada's first ever para-triathlon team on Tuesday. The 2015 world champion from Calgary, who is one of the favourites to win gold in the S4 category in Rio, said his older brother Christian was his inspiration when it came to living, and competing, with a disability.

Daniel's inspiration

Christian Daniel, who has cerebral palsy, recently retired after several years on Canada's para-swimming team. Stefan Daniel, who was born with bilateral radial club hands significantly affecting his right arm, said his older brother's attitude is a source of motivation.

"He's been a pretty big inspiration of mine," Daniel said from Victoria. "He never let his disability get to him. He's the happiest guy, most positive guy around. He takes his disability for what it is: 'I have to accept it and I have to be happy with it.'

"And he's made the most of it. He's done well in para swimming, he gives his all in everything, he's a brilliant guy. Just seeing how he doesn't want his disability to affect his attitude about life, it was pretty awesome to have him as a big brother and an inspiration to me."

Just as his brother helped pave the way for his successful athletic career, Daniel and Canada's other pioneering athletes will be looked upon to set the standard for other Canadian triathletes, just as Simon Whitfield did when he raced to the top of the podium at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Canada's team for the Rio Paralympics includes:

• Chantal Givens (Winnipeg, Man.)in the women's S4
• Christine Robbins (Ottawa, Ont.) and guide Sasha Boulton in the women's S5 visually impaired race.

"I've been lucky to have the opportunity to represent Canada. Every time I have it's been really rewarding experience," said Daniel, who won bronze in his first world championship in 2013, followed by silver in 2014 and gold last year. "But having a Games event is going to be another level above all that. It's going to be pretty spectacular representing the whole nation at such a huge event.

"Obviously making its debut is going to be even bigger. I think it's going to be a pretty historic time just being on that start line, and towing the line with other athletes for the first time in history at the Paralympic Games."

Confidence not an issue heading into Rio

Daniel started as a successful cross-country athlete in high school before adding swimming and finally cycling to his repertoire.

While he said he's getting more comfortable with the other parts of the triathlon, he's a runner at heart. He said it's an advantage that his forte is at the final stage of the race.

"I have a really big passion for running, its always been by far my favourite part of the sport," he said. "It's always nice having your strongest point last, it gives you the confidence to say 'OK, I know where I am and I know what I need to do now.'

"Once you're off the bike, it's just a running race. Having that confidence is going to be huge in Rio, confidence that I can make up time."

The para-triathlon comprises a 750-metre swim, a 20-kilometre bike and a five-kilometre run.