Saskatoon's Becky Richter training hard for Parapan Am Games

Eleven training sessions a week.

Hours spent working with a sports psychologist.

It's hard work, but something Becky Richter is willing to do for a chance at a gold medal.

Richter is hoping to compete at this summer's Parapan Am Games in Toronto. 

I've got such a great support system ... willing to give up their time and energy to help me pursue my dreams.- Becky Richter

"Ever since I got back into sports after my accident, it has been a goal to compete for Canada at the international level. The Parapans are great opportunity for that."

In October 2003, Richter was involved in a single vehicle rollover accident. It left her paralyzed from the waist down, but it did not dampen her competitive spirit.

"I dabbled in a few sports. I tried wheelchair rugby, but ultimately a couple of friends of mine were racing so I went to go see what it was all about. That's how I got into racing."

Richter has expanded her repertoire to including throwing events, but taking part in more events means a rigorous training schedule that keeps her very busy.

"It's a huge time commitment for me. Not only for me but I have a lot of support that come and help me out. It's really nice for me that I've got such a great support system. That they're willing to give up their time and energy to help me pursue my dreams," Richter said.

'Die Wednesdays'

There is one day a week where Richter's training really tests her endurance. She affectionately refers to them as "Die Wednesdays."

"It's basically exactly what it sounds like. I push my chair until I can't move anymore and then I take a brief break. Then I do it two more times. It's not fun while you're doing it, but it's really rewarding. You feel really great afterwards that you got through it."

Working with my mental trainer is really helping me calm down and just be able to step back and put things into perspective.- Becky Richter

Richter is also working with a sports psychologist. She suffers from clinical anxiety, but told CBC Saskatoon Morning's Leisha Grebinski that her time spent with her psychologist is doing wonders.

"I get pretty overwhelmed at times but working with my mental trainer is really helping me calm down and just be able to step back and put things into perspective."

The Parapan Am Games begin in 100 days in Toronto.

Richter will find out if she makes it to Team Canada this July when nationals take place in Edmonton, but she has already made her standards for throwing events so the odds are high that she will earn a spot on the squad.