World record holder Newkirk embracing challenge of second Paralympics in Paris [Video]

Even though Saskatoon’s Shelby Newkirk was able to make her Paralympic debut back in 2021, it was a year which was one of the toughest she faced mentally.

These days, the world record holder in the S6 50m backstroke has a new appreciation for para-swimming which comes just in time for her second Paralympics in Paris.

“I feel like I’ve just finally found my love of the sport again,” said Newkirk. “I’ve found a safety in the water again and I feel like it’s just kind of been ramping up. I’ve been able to break world records since, I’ve been a two-time world champion in the 100m backstroke. I also got to get a bronze medal in the 50m free last year, coming from Tokyo in 50 free I was ninth.”

Since Tokyo, Newkirk has become a force on the international stage with her trio of World Championship medals.

All that’s missing …