Nicholas Bennett is thriving in Paris.
The 20-year-old, from Parksville, B.C., who now calls Red Deer home, won his third medal of the 2024 Paralympics Wednesday morning.
Bennett earned his second gold of the Paralympics in the 200-metre IM SM14, an event where holds the world record and is the reigning world champion.
He was dominant again on Wednesday, finishing in a time of 2:06.05, two and a half seconds ahead of Britan's Rhys Darbey. Australia's Ricky Betar finished third.
“I had to hammer the last 50, lose whatever I had left in the tank,” Bennett told Swimming Canada post-race on Wednesday.
His gold-medal time was just slightly off his 2:05.97 world record mark that he set in May.
“I was certainly a lot more comfortable racing tonight,” he said. “I knew there was a chance being so close to my record.”
Bennett also became the first Canadian to win multiple gold medals at the Paralympics since Benoit Huot won five at the Athens 2004 Paralympics.
“I’m quite aware of Benoit before me,” said Bennett. “I hope my performances inspire kids to join the sport. We need more.”
Bennett, who won gold in the 100-m SB14 breaststroke and silver in the S14 200-m freestyle said the family support, including that of his sister, Haley Bennett-Osborne who helps coach him, has made winning medals at the Paralympics that much more special.
“My success is my sister’s success and my family’s. Being up there shows that the Bennetts are doing the right thing and I’m able to show the world that we’re here,” Bennett told Swimming Canada on Monday. “I’m just incredibly proud of me, my sister and my family. I wouldn’t be here without them.
“I tried to (win gold) on my first day of racing. I was proud to be able to represent our country.”
Bennett will race in the 100-m backstroke on Friday, a race in which he holds the Canadian record.
