Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor Wassermann named to Paralympic rowing team
'It's still a little surreal,' says newest Paralympian
Jacob Wassermann's lifelong dream of representing his country at the highest level in sport, to wear the maple leaf on a global athletic stage, has finally become a reality.
Rowing Canada made it official on Thursday as Wassermann is part of Team Canada going to the Paralympics.
"It's still a little surreal," he told CBC Sports. "I know we're like two months out at this point, but it still almost doesn't feel real that I started this journey not that long ago and I'm getting the opportunity to compete at the biggest stage and wear the maple leaf.
"I can't believe it. I'm very grateful for all of it."
Wassermann, 24, is one of 13 people who survived the horrific Humboldt Broncos bus crash tragedy in 2018, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. He was the Broncos' No. 1 goaltender when the crash happened.
"This tragedy happened and it was on a big stage. We were junior hockey players, a bunch of 18 to 20 year olds who were trying to live out our dreams, right? And it happened," he said. "Life moves on and we've all grown from it and are all super appreciative of the support that the world has provided."
WATCH | Wassermann finds freedom on the water:
Sport has played a crucial role throughout his life and was a pivotal part of his healing process. Wassermann started taking Para rowing seriously about a year ago and in a very short time has excelled in the sport.
"I'm very proud of how far Jacob has come along on his rowing journey," said Adam Parfitt, Rowing Canada's High Performance Director. "Each athlete has their own unique journey, and we applaud Jacob for his commitment and dedication to achieving his own success in Paris and beyond. The whole rowing community and nation is behind him!"
Rowing with ease
It became apparent quickly as he rowed across the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon with ease that rowing came somewhat naturally to him. The initial goal was to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.
But Wassermann, whose family lives in Humboldt, Sask., had other plans — through hard work and an unwavering commitment he's now headed to Paris to represent Canada in the PR1 men's single event.
"For 18 years I was going to be a pro hockey player. That was the one goal and it had to change and it was sort of difficult for sure at first, but I really learned if you keep going forward with the dreams that you had, they'll work out for you," he said.
And through it all, Wassmann's wife Madison, his parents, coaches, and people throughout the hockey community have supported Jacob. He says he's been overwhelmed by the support.
"It's been so special to see the support and the excitement from so many people, like everybody from around here, from around home and and then around the world that I've never even met before," he said.
"To have what feels like the whole country behind me is really special."
Foray into Para rowing
Wassermann's first foray into Para rowing internationally happened in March, when he traveled to Rio de Janeiro looking to clinch Canada a quota spot in the event.
He's the first to admit there was a lot of excitement to wear the Canadian colours in that pressure-packed event, but there were nerves as well.
And while his story of resilience is resonating with people from across the country and around the world, Wassermann is quick to deflect too much praise.
"I don't mean to sound arrogant by saying that it's not anything special. I do think it's a huge accomplishment and I'm super proud of what I've been able to do. But many people do it. It just sometimes takes a lot of luck and a lot of work," he said.
"If you're, but if you're willing to do it and willing to put in the hours, it is something that I feel like people can do. If that dream is there and that drive is there, it'll work out."
Wassermann will continue to train on the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon in the lead up to the Paralympics. He says he'll have a big cheering section in Paris with family and friends set to make the trip to support him like they have throughout his entire athletic career
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