May 6, 2025

By Mathew Channer

Tracy ‘Unstoppable Tracy’ Schmitt is a Canadian author, motivational speaker and 4-way amputee who recently represented Canada at the Hansa Para Worlds in Australia, and who is determined to get sailing back into the Paralympic Games.

Schmitt, the only Canadian competing in the Hansa Para Worlds, had not sailed since the sport was excluded from the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, dashing her sailing dreams.

“I lost hope in 2016, and I had been sailing 365 days a year.”

She decided to compete at the Hansa Para Worlds when she heard Canada was not represented.

“When I heard that we didn’t even have a boat on the start line, I said ‘well forget that, we’ve got to be there,” she said.

Despite making the decision to compete just weeks before the event, Schmitt received a great deal of support when she announced she was going.

“Canada rallied, and people stepped up. I raised $6,000 and received a lot of professional gear,” she said.

Schmitt says competing was important to build Canadian representation and ultimately help get sailing back into the Paralympic program.

Sailing has not been in the Paralympic Games since The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) removed it in 2015 citing its lack of global reach and competitors’ participation. It is not included in the 2028 Games in Los Angelas.

“It’s really important at these world events that we have as many countries involved as possible,” Schmitt said.

Schmitt, who works with AbleSail Network Canada, says that since sailing was excluded from the Paralympics, smaller community programs in Canada have dwindled.

“Even if only one athlete goes to the Paralympics, they represent a foundation of thousands of people,” she said.

“My hope is that this skyrockets accessible sailing again,” she said.

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