OLYMPICS/ Athletes
Athlete shrugs off cancer to compete at Special Olympics
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-10-05 21:42
Shanghai - Nicole Ferguson, Special Olympics Canada's Female Athlete of the Year Award winner in 2006, will compete in the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2007 though she has to combat cancer at the same time.
Nicole Ferguson of Canada celebrates after winning the women's 44kg powerlifting event in the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2007 in Shanghai, October 5, 2007. [Xinhua] |
An all-rounder in many sports of the Special Olympics, the 43-year-old will exclusively participate in powerlifting event which started on October 5 through to 10 at the Zhabei Gymnasium in Shanghai.
"I like powerlifting because it can help me become much stronger and I never feel afraid of the disease. When I saw other athletes do it, I know I can do it," said Ferguson, who has participated in softball, powerlifting, athletics and speed skating at the National Games.
Living in Timmins, Ontario of Canada, Nicole excels all levels of competitions from Regional Games through World Games, most notably at a Timmins competition where she was able to lift twice her own body weight.
Her coach, Butt Jeff, described Ferguson as "inspirited", appreciating her outstanding efforts and successes in the Special Olympics over the past 28 years.
"I love sports, they are fun, and I trained very hard for the Special Olympics. When my coach told me to stop, I never stop," said Ferguson, who started to train in powerlifting in 1992.
Her strength is admirable both on and off the sports field. Ferguson won 4 gold medals and set new national records in powerlifting at the 2006 National Summer Games. and
Even while battling cancer treatments through 2005-2006, the strong-minded athlete missed only two training sessions with her national squad.
Team Canada sent 75 athletes to the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games. Five of them will compete in powerlifting.
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