Paralympics

The 24-year-old from Quebec City, who has a visual impairment, has had a bulging disc and muscle spasms since the 2019 world championship that made it too painful to push off the wall of the pool.

“Getting back to this level where I was in London in 2019 and finishing in the same position is just a full circle that closed itself,” he said.

Also at the pool Thursday, Canada’s Katarina Roxon was fourth in the 100metre breaststroke. The 28-year-old from Kippens, N.L., won gold in the event at the Rio Paralympics.

James Leroux of Repentigny, Que. was sixth in his men’s 100 breaststroke final, while Matthew Cabraja of Brampton, Ont., was seventh in the men’s 400 freestyle.

Elsewhere, Emma Reinke of St. Thomas, Ont., scored four goals to lead Canada’s women’s goalball team (1-1) to its first win in Tokyo, a 6-2 victory over Israel. “That felt amazing. It was a huge confidence boost, and I couldn’t be happier. We showed we have all the tools to succeed,” Reinke said.

Canada’s men’s wheelchair basketball team opened the Games with a 78-41 loss to Spain. Nik Goncin of Regina had 15 points to top the Canadians, who shot just 27 per cent from the field. Five-time Paralympian Patrick Anderson of Fergus, Ont., added eight points.

“I thought the last two years we made the best of it, but not being able to play together for two years against international competition (due to the pandemic) is tough,” said Colin Higgins, who also had eight points. “Not making any excuses. It’s a short and long tournament. . . The guys are chomping at the bit. They got a little taste. They’re looking forward to (Friday), for sure.”

Canada’s wheelchair rugby team dropped to 0-2 with a 58-54 loss to the U.S. Zak Madell of Okotoks, Alta., had a game-leading 31 tries for the Canadians, who led 28-27 at halftime against their familiar rival.

“They are a big, strong team,” assistant coach Dave Willsie said of the Americans.