(photo: Facebook)
A Moncton swimmer is heading to Tokyo in August for the Paralympics.
This isn’t Danielle Dorris’ first time competing internationally. She previously competed at the Paralympics in Rio in 2016.
She says the location this time makes this event even more enticing, “I always wanted to go to Tokyo ever since I was younger because it is a different culture and architecture is very pretty. getting the opportunity to go there to compete for my country is just another plus to add.”
The 2020 Paralympics were postponed last year due to COVID-19. It will now be held August 24 to September 5th.
Dorris says she has mixed feelings about travelling during a pandemic, “Because I can’t control what other people are doing while we are there. I’m not sure who has their vaccines, or who is washing their hands properly, and doing COVID prevention properly. But I’m also not worried, because of the fact that I’m sure the Paralympic committee has put COVID-19 protocols in place while we are in the Village or at the venues, to ensure everyone is safe,” Dorris says.
She expects she will be swimming in several events, including the 100 metre backstroke, 200 metre IM and 50 fly. She says she will also most likely be included in a relay as well.
“I am excited to see people who I haven’t seen in awhile and excited to go compete for my country, and glad to get to travel again,” Dorris says.
There is one thing Dorris isn’t looking forward to, “I’m not looking forward to the flight. I hate flying, I have a fear of flying. My back and shoulder problems, I also can’t get comfortable, so it’s just not fun.”
