'Labels don't really matter anymore': powerlifter Jackie Barrett on Lou Marsh nomination

For the first time ever, a Special Olympian was nominated for the Lou Marsh Trophy, which recognizes the country's top athletes.

Powerlifter Jackie Barrett, from Gillams, also known as the "Newfoundland Moose," capped off his 20-year athletic career with the nomination.

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Fellow nominees for the 2015 award included Toronto Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin, Pan Am Games sprinter Andre De Grasse, LPGA golfer Brooke Henderson and swimmer Ryan Cochrane. The 2015 winner was Montreal Canadiens superstar goalie Carey Price.

West Coast Morning7:33Gillams powerlifter Jackie Barrett was nominated as Canada's Athlete of the Year.

Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price won it, but Special Olympics powerlifter Jackie Barrett of Gillams was on that elite nomination list, too. He was up for the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada's Athlete of the Year. Jackie spoke with Lindsay Bird.

"Labels don't really matter anymore," Barrett said, referring to the honour.

"Personally it's a big honour for me because it's to do with the fact that I'm recognized as one of Canada's top athletes."

Barrett's performance at the World Special Olympic Games in Los Angeles helped bring him into such celebrated company in 2015.

A Special Olympian can perform just as well as their able-bodied counterparts.- Jackie Barrett

He won four medals — three gold and one silver — and set a new Special Olympics World Games record.

Barrett said while the nomination was certainly a big moment for him, it was an even bigger one for his sporting community.

"It's definitely a big moment not just for me, but also for the entire Special Olympics movement," he told CBC's Corner Brook Morning Show Thursday.

"It also indicates that no matter if you have an intellectual disability or not, a Special Olympian can perform just as well as their able-bodied counterparts, and sometimes even better."

Barrett said the nomination is a great moment for him, his family and the Special Olympics community.

He added some of his major highlights of the year include being featured in an ESPN interview and leading Team Canada in the opening ceremonies for the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games.

Also, breaking an international squat record.

"That's showing to the world that no matter who squats how much weight, 600 pounds is 600 pounds," he said.

Barrett retired from Special Olympics competition following the 2015 games, but plans to stay involved in the community and organization as a coach.