Despaties and Petitclerc named athletes of the year.

Winner of a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Alexandre Despaties has been named Quebec's athlete of the year today.

Four months before the competition, Alexandre Despaties broke a bone in one of his foot and his four-month recovery was difficult for his preparation. But his discipline and dedication allowed him to be in good shape for this great competition.

Yes, a Chinese diver was untouchable during the competition and managed to finish ahead of Alexandre at the Olympic final of Beijing. But great athletes and champions sometimes finish second.

Congratulations to you Alexandre for your great silver medal in Beijing.


On the womens side, Chantal Petitclerc won the same award with her fantastic five gold medal performance at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing. Petitclerc also broke a number of her own World Records during the competition. She was simply the queen of the track at these games.

A fantastic harvest of gold for Chantal for her last Olympic Games in career. We will follow the continuation of her career as she said to wish to try to compete in Marathon events.

Congratulations and good luck Chantal.