By Tom Degun

Chantal Petitclerc head and shouldersMay 7 - Wheelchair racing icon Chantal Petitclerc, one of the most decorated Paralympic athletes ever, is set to be inducted into the Athletics Canada's Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2013.


The 43-year-old from Quebec, who lost the use of both legs when a heavy barn door fell on her at the age of 13, won an astonishing 21 Paralympic medals, including 14 golds, in a glittering career that spanned from Barcelona in 1992 until Beijing in 2008.

It is the latest numerous accolade of Petitclerc, who become the first female Paralympian to be inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.

She has also recieved prestigous international awards that include the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Female Athlete of the Year.

More recently, she worked as in Britain for UK Athletics in the build-up to the London 2012 Paralympics, acting as a coach and mentor, and who will be Chef de Mission for Team Canada at Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Chantal Petitclerc wins T54 100m gold medalChantal Petitclerc celebrates winning the Paralympic gold medal in the T54 100 metres at Beijing 2008

"I am thrilled about being named as part of Athletics Canada's Hall of Fame" said Petitclerc.

"Looking back at a rich athletics history in Canada, there are so many legends and even inspirations already part of this Hall of Fame.

"Knowing I will have my place among them is truly a great honour."

Petitclerc is one of ten individuals, five of who are athletes, to enter the Athletics Canada's Hall of Fame as the class of 2013.

The four other athletes who will join her in entering this year are high-jumper Mark Boswell, marathon runner Jerome Drayton, pentathlete Diane Jones Konihowski and decathlete Michael Smith.

In the memoriam category Paralympian Eugene Reimer after winning ten Paralympic medals between 1968 and 1980 in numerous disciplines.

Middle distance runner Phil Edwards and coach Lloyd Percival also join in the memoriam category.

Athletics Canada's Hall of Fame class of 2013 is completed by Earl Church in the coach category and Ian Fowler in the builder category.

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September 2012: Paralympic legend chosen as Chef de Mission for Team Canada at Glasgow 2014
December 2011: Canadian Paralympic Committee accept Petitclerc resignation after she joins UK Athletics
November 2011: Wheelchair racing superstar Petitclerc joins UK Athletics as coach and mentor
April 2011: Petitclerc given key Team Canada post for London 2012
November 2010: Petitclerc first female Paralympian inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame