Paralympic swimmer Stephanie Dixon was among the 125 appointments announced to the Order of Canada this week, with the University of Victoria standout recognized for her excellence in the sport of swimming, as well as for her leadership as an advocate for parasport.
A 3-time Paralympian earning 19 medals overall, Dixon was inducted into the UVic Sports Hall of Fame and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame back in 2016. She became the first S9 level athlete to qualify for the U SPORTS (then CIS) national championship under able-bodied standards and was awarded a 2004-05 CIS Honorary First Team All-Canadian award.
Most recently, Dixon served as Assistant Chef de Mission for the Para Pan American Games in Toronto in 2015.
According to the official Canadian release, the Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Close to 7, 000 people have been invested into the Order.
Of her achievement, 9-time Paralympic medalist Benoit Huot stated, “Congratulations Stephanie ?I couldn’t be more proud ??You are an inspiration, an example, a role model & most importantly an amazing friend. Well deserved #OrderofCanada #OC50 #OrdreduCanada ??”