Athletics Canada mourns loss of Paralympic icon

OTTAWA – It is with great sadness that Athletics Canada says goodbye to Paralympic icon Jacques Martin. Martin passed away suddenly of a heart attack April 19th, 2012. Born in St-Denis-Brampton, Que., Jacques competed in six Paralympic Games between 1984 and 2004. He officially retired from athletics in 2010.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jacques Martin” said Martin Goulet, Chief High Performance Officer. “His passion, dedication and contagious energy always made for a positive and motivating environment, our thoughts and prayers are with the Martin family and entire para-athletics community.”

A versatile athlete, Martin excelled in throwing events, especially so in the discus, shot put and javelin. Martin is a four time Paralympic Games gold medallist (1984, 1988, 1992 and 1996), silver medallist at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and gold medalist at the 2005 IAAF World Championships in the demonstration javelin. He also held world records in the F55 classification shot put and javelin.

Athletics Canada offers its sincere sympathies to Martin’s family and friends

Athletics Canada