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In a successful performance at the recent Para Pan Am Games, GNS alumnus Liam Stanley ’16 secured the silver medal at the esteemed international competition.
Liam’s game plan going into the race involved maintaining a sense of calm while also strategically staying in close proximity to other known skilled runners.
“I just wanted to stick with [the gold medalist] as much as possible and hopefully try and nick him at the end. I didn’t end up doing that, but to come away with silver and to experience the stadium and the crowd was really fun.”
His time at GNS played an important role in shaping his athleticism, he said. During his time at the school, he engaged in multiple sports, including soccer, basketball, rugby and track.
“I experienced a lot of competition. I think it’s helped me with the experiences of competing for Canada now.”
When asked about the skills and lessons learned during his time at GNS, he said that the most important takeaway for him was the mental resilience demonstrated by his teachers and coaches. “They never got too high or too low with me, and they were honest with me too, so they told me when I was doing really well and when I wasn’t doing so well.”
Preparing both mentally and physically for the high-stakes race is no small feat. “Mentally, I just wanted to come in and have fun and be able to represent my country and make everyone proud.”
On the physical front, Liam’s preparation involved track sessions and gym workouts, with a focus on maintaining overall health and fitness.
Liam’s achievements go beyond personal success and they contribute to the broader conversation on inclusivity in sports. Reflecting on this, he remarked, “Not just my performance but my teammates’ performances are able to show people who may not be as familiar with paralympic sport that we do the same things and prepare the same way as able-bodied athletes.”
Another factor that plays a significant role in creating more inclusivity in sports is that para athletes are expected to deliver performances at the same high standard that able-bodied athletes are expected to.
For aspiring para athletes, he offered simple yet profound advice: “Just have fun, keep working hard and try a bunch of different sports.” He emphasized the importance of exploration and finding what one truly enjoys, noting that many para athletes transition between sports before finding their niche.
Looking ahead, Liam has his sights set on performing in the Paralympic Games again next year, with the goal of standing on the podium once more.
His aspirations extend to the 2025 cycle, aiming to replicate his success and continue his growth and career as an athlete.
