Okotoks’ Zak Madell is turning wheelies again after helping Team Canada’s wheelchair rugby squad take home a sixth-place finish at the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games.
Madell is the poster child of our province’s outstanding athleticism and unbreakable determination. Even after losing his fingers and legs to a septic staph infection when he was ten, he didn’t abandon his dream of becoming an athlete.
Madell isn’t just any athlete; he’s one of the best. He was recruited by the Canadian National Team at a young age and debuted at the 2011 Americas Zone qualification tournament at 17.
With barely over a year of experience, Madell earned himself a spot at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, where he helped Canada beat the number-one-ranked American team in the semi-finals.
Since then, Madell has earned many MVP titles and was named Team Canada’s flagbearer of the Closing Ceremony at the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games after leading the team to its first gold medal in 13 years.
Last year, Madell added another MVP title to his long list of accomplishments at the International Wheelchair Rugby Cup, where he helped the Canadian team earn silver.
Leading up to their gold medal match, Team Canada beat Australia, Denmark, Great Britain, and France in a series of nail-biting games.
In the final, Canada faced off against Australia again but couldn’t secure the win, losing 48-53. So close! Even in defeat, Madell’s performance was impressive enough to earn him the title of MVP.
Canada earned its spot for this year’s Paralympic Games through a last-chance qualification tournament in New Zealand in March.
“We believe the Games will be a great experience and we are thrilled to compete in front of a crowd of wheelchair rugby fans once again,” said Team Canada co-captain Patrice Dagenais.
A Model Paralympic Athlete
Madell is proving why he has so many MVP titles at the 2024 Paralympic Games. This year marks his fourth Paralympic Games appearance.
In their opening match against the United States, Team Canada lost 48-51 with Madell posting a game-high 31 tries.
The loss lit a fire under Team Canada, motivating the team to beat Germany 54-47. Once again, Madell led his team to victory with an impressive 28 tries.
Japan proved to be a formidable opponent, beating Canada 50-46. Both teams were evenly matched until Madell was sent to the penalty box for a technical foul in the first quarter, which ended 13-9 for Japan.
Canada had no timeouts left heading into the fourth quarter, leaving the players exhausted and disoriented. Japan didn’t waste the opportunity to secure the win.
The defeat shattered the team’s chance of competing in the finals, but it didn’t break their spirits. Especially not Madell’s, who scored 27 tries during the match.
Although a podium finish was no longer in sight, Madell showed no signs of slowing down. In the next match against Denmark, he led the team with 27 tries, earning Canada a spot in the fifth-place game.
Team Canada was pitted against France. Madell brought his A-game, scoring a jaw-dropping 35 tries, but it wasn’t enough. Canada finished the match 50-53, cementing the team’s sixth-place finish.
In total, Madell scored 148 tries at the 2024 Paralympic Games and played no small part in helping Canada earn a sixth-place finish.
Canadian para-athletes have reached the podium at every Paralympic Games since 1968. This year is no different.
So far, Canada’s para-athletes have earned four gold, five silver, and seven bronze medals at the 2024 Paralympic Games.
Canada’s wheelchair rugby team may not have placed on the podium, but that won’t stop them from trying.
Madell’s drive and talent continue to distinguish him as a standout athlete not only in Canada but worldwide.
