The British Columbia government is extending hearty congratulations to B.C. Paralympic medallists Brianna Nelson, Nathan Stein and Michelle Stilwell for their success in London.

Stilwell, a medal favourite from Nanoose Bay, captured gold in the women's 200-metre (T52) track event with a time of 33.80 seconds, setting a new Paralympic record in the process. Belgium won the silver medal and the U.S. claimed bronze.

Stilwell is a veteran Paralympic champion. She won gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games in both the 100 and 200 metres. She also won a gold medal in wheelchair basketball at the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney.

Nelson, a swimmer who trains at Saanich Commonwealth Place in Greater Victoria, won a silver medal in the women's 50-metre butterfly (S7) with a time of 36.07 seconds. Australia won gold and China took bronze. This is Nelson's second appearance at a Paralympic Games and her first medal.

Nathan Stein's medal also came in swimming. He earned a silver in the men's 50-metre freestyle (S10) with a time of 23.58 seconds. That race saw Brazil take gold and Australia win the bronze. This is Stein's first Paralympic Games.

Quote:

Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development

"Congratulations to B.C.'s Paralympic medallists, Brianna Nelson, Nathan Stein and Michelle Stilwell, who have started the London Games off in fine style. The gold- and silver-medal performances of these three athletes are amazing, a testament to the hard work and dedication of our athletes. They will be a source of inspiration to future athletes for years to come. Well done!"

Quick Facts:

Michelle Stilwell was born in Winnipeg and resides in Nanoose Bay.
Date of birth: July 4, 1974
Stilwell won gold in both the women's 100- and 200-metre events at the 2008 Beijing Games, and gold in wheelchair basketball at the 2000 Sydney Games.
Coach: Peter Lawless

Brianna Nelson is originally from Calgary but trains at Saanich Commonwealth Place with Island Swimming.
Date of birth: May 9, 1992
Coach: Martin Gurrin

Nathan Stein, from Maple Ridge, trains at the Surrey Knights Swim Club.
Date of birth: March 28, 1992
Coach: Reg Shaw

Learn More:

London 2012: http://www.london2012.com/paralympics/

Canadian Paralympic Committee: http://paralympic.ca/

Contact:

Jeff Rud
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677
250 208-4028 (cell)