The five-time Paralympian, who has 21 wheelchair racing medals to her name, was appointed by the Canadian Paralympic Committee to work with the team for the Games in two years' time after fulfilling the same role for the nation's squad that competed at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Following her career on the track, which saw her competing at Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, the 44-year-old also worked as a coach and mentor to the UK Athletics team at the London 2012 Paralympics.

"I am so proud to be leading team Canada and to be giving back to the Paralympic Movement, which has given me so much," Petitclerc said.

"I hope my insights as a former athlete will help the current generation of athletes achieve their performance goals.

"I'm feeling well-prepared and inspired for this next, large step in my career, not only with my expertise as a former athlete, but also with experience as a coach in London and a Chef de Mission in Glasgow."

Petitclerc will now work to prepare the Canadian Paralympic team for Rio 2016, where they will be hoping to improve on their performance at London 2012 that saw them finish 20th on the overall medals table with seven gold, 15 silver and nine bronze.

Chantal Petitclerc was also Canada's Chef de Mission at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games ©Getty Images


Canada expects to send between 170 and 200 athletes to the Paralympics, which take place from September 7 to 18.

"Chantal's nomination as Chef de Mission is fabulous news for all sports fans in Canada," said Gaétan Tardif, President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

"Not only is she an accomplished leader, her amazing Paralympic record will also inspire all Canadian athletes and coaches to top performances in their quest for gold in Rio."

Petitclerc's long-time coach and Athletics Canada head coach Peter Eriksson also said he was "extremely happy" to hear of her appointment.

"Not only is Chantal an accomplished Paralympic athlete, she is one of the best athletes in Canadian history," he added.

"She did such a great job as Chef de Mission for the 2014 Commonwealth Games and I know she will pull from all of her experiences to lead the Canadian team to success through the 2016 Games."

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