Cassidy (pictured below) will be looking to improve on his disappointing performance at Beijing 2008 when his missed out on a medal, with his best chance is likely to come in the star-studded men's T54 marathon race where the likes of Britain's David Weir and Australia's Kurt Fearnley will also race.

The 27-year-old from Ottawa won the men's Virgin Marathon wheelchair race in 2010 and proved he is in great form earlier this year by setting a course record at the Boston Marathon in April.

Meanwhile, Stilwell (pictured above) will be looking to defend the T52 100 metres and 200m gold medals she won at Beijing four years' ago.

The 38-year-old is the reigning world champion in both events, as well as in the 400m T52 race and holds the world record in all three distances.

Stilwell made history at the Sydney 2000 Paralympics when she became the first female Paralympic athlete to win gold in two separate summer sport events at the same Games, claiming gold with Canada's female wheelchair basketball team in addition to her two athletics gold medals.

Another of the big stars named is wheelchair racer Diane Roy, a five-time Paralympic medallist.


The team were nominated to the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) by Athletics Canada and Laurier Primeau, the head coach of the Canadian Paralympic athletics team.

Primeau predicted a strong performance from them at London 2012, saying: "The athletes headed to London have proven through their performances that they are able to compete with the best in the world on a consistent basis.

"We will move forward into our final preparation phase with high expectations.

"Athletes and staff have a singular focus now, to elicit the best result of the year at the most important competition of their lives."

At Beijing 2008, Canada took home 19 medals, including 10 golds, and will be looking for similar success at London 2012.

Click here to view details of the full team.  

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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