Canadian Commonwealth Swimmer, Valerie Grand Maison, Mines Silver at 2012 Paralympic Games

 

Kelly Becherer of the U.S., took the gold medal in 27.46 seconds, Grand’Maison followed in a personal best 27.91 and Prue Watt of Australia  was third in 27.94.

 

“I’ve never won this event so for me coming second is still a big success,” said Grand’Maison Canada’s most successful Para swimmer at the 2008 Games with six medals including three gold.  “To go a best time for the first time in four years is something to be proud of.”

 

The performance also gave Grand’Maison some big confidence for the rest of the Games. She was hampered by a shoulder injury that derailed her 2011 season.

 

“I’m a lot less stressed than I thought I would be,” she said.  “It was actually a lot of fun.  There was a British girl in the race and that really got the crowd into it.”