Jody Barber knows the 2014 Paralympics in Sochi, Russia are less than four years away and wants to be there.
Having made her mark with several top-10 finishes last month at Whistler as a two-sport Paralympian in cross-country skiing and biathlon, she knows triathlon is not on the winter Paralympic agenda but is not letting that get in the way of her summer plans.
On June 12, Barber intends to compete in the Mackenzie Triathlon, her first swim/bike/run event since 2006 when she lost the use of her right arm while training in Australia for the world long course triathlon championships.
The 45-year-old Barber returned to her job as a teacher in Smithers and enjoyed reliving her Paralympic experiences with her students. She admits she's feeling inspired to continue her athletic pursuits.
"I have had the opportunity to speak to a number of schools in Smithers and the excitement and the buzz for the Olympics and Paralympics is still there," said Barber, one of the featured guests Saturday at the Fan the Flame dinner sponsored by PacificSport Northern B.C.
"I don't know if anyone understood the magnitude of the Paralympics. There was such spill-over of national pride after the Olympics and our stands were full every race. I think there is a greater awareness now of the positive benefits of sport, not just for the athlete but for the community and the country. The things we learn from sport about perseverance and goal-setting and working have spill-over into our lives and these are good things for everybody.
"The kids probably see me in a slightly different light, but at the same time realize I'm just a normal person and that's how I feel. If I can work hard and do something like this, really anybody can."
Also on hand at the dinner were Joe Rea, coach of Canada's Paralympic-champion wheelchair curling team, and Megan Tandy, the top Canadian female in the Olympic biathlon competition. Denny Morrison of Fort St. John, a gold medalist in long track speed skating, was in Montreal attending a post-Olympic celebration and could not attend.
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