Local Paralympics star Michelle Stilwell was given a formal send off by Parksville council Monday.
“We are all very proud of you,” said mayor Chris Burger as he listed off some of her numerous records and accomplishments including being the only Paralympic woman to win gold at two different games.
Stilwell appeared almost embarrassed by the attention as she admitted she’d broken the 100 metre world record last weekend… again.
Stilwell, who lived in Nanoose Bay for years, proudly told council she now lives in Parksville and has been “welcomed to the community and embraced warmly.”
She spoke of how fast the four years since the last Summer Games went and some of extensive training and preparation she’s doing to shave hundredths of seconds off her time.
She even spent time recently in an Ottawa wind tunnel testing different fabrics, materials and designs for her chair, position and even hair styles for that extra edge.
Currently training four days on, one day off, she already has her entire food schedule prepared for her entire trip to London.
Counc. Marc Lefebvre called her a wonderful example for the community and the entire council was complimentary as they sent her off with good wishes and a painting as a gift.