Three Canadian flags rise at the Water Cube in Beijing as Canada sweeps the medals in the Paralympics (CBC Sports)

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

- Helen Keller

In all my years as a sports broadcaster it is something I have not yet seen.

A Canadian sweep at a major international event is a rare jewel, a national treasure if you will, and to witness it at the Water Cube at these Paralympic Games has been a thrill to make one’s heart beat quicker.

It has come early in the Games and the circumstances have been spectacular. As Valerie Grand’maison, (“House” as they call her), Kirby Cote and Chelsey Gotell reached the wall in rapid succession in the 100M, butterfly for swimmers with vision impairment, the capacity crowd was on its feet and making a throbbing noise.

There they were, three young women from three distinct parts of the country, Gotell’s a Nova Scotian, Cote hails from prairie Manitoba and Grand’maison has been groomed in the intense atmosphere prevalent in the swimming pools of Quebec. They dominated the field and arrived at their destination just off World record time and separated by less than half a second.

The rookie is 19-year-old Valerie Grand’maison. Both Kirby Cote and Chelsey Gotell have been to previous Paralympic Games and delivered more than their fair share of podium performances. In fact, Cote who finished as the runner up entered the water as the defending champion. Still, there was no jealously as the celebration ensued. There were hugs of joy, elation at having accomplished something as a team.

Unique and special

“Who knows when this will happen again,” Cote gushed after the race. “It’s something so unique and special.”

As they embraced and waved to the hundreds of Canadian fans clad in red and white embedded in the throng, the three women must have struggled to see the love that they felt so deeply in the moment. Such is the nature of their special challenge.

But upon their arrival at the podium it all became clear as a bell. Each smiled - no they beamed - as they heard their respective names called. They bowed and waved at just the right time. And then they stood so perfectly tall as ‘Oh Canada’ rang throughout the house. It was absolutely stirring as thousands upon thousands watched the three maple leaf flags rise to the roof.

“I am speechless,” Valerie Grand’maison enthused. “All this training and all this time. I have dreamed about this moment and to be with my two teammates right now means everything to me.”

They posed playfully and presented their medals to the cameras for that quintessential image. They were lingering with delight in the aftermath of their triumph, and in such a Canadian way, they were so thankful for each other’s company.

“She has pushed us that much harder since her arrival,” Gotell said of the youthful champion Grand’maison. “Just prior to the race she fired us up in the dressing room and every time she swims she makes us go much faster.”

And then they were off to make their rounds. The medallists were immediately aware their lives had changed forever and it was something to be savoured in this remarkable place.

Anxious and proud family members

Lights suddenly got brighter, microphones gladly intruded on their personal space and hundreds of questions needed articulate answers.

Then there was the matter of anxious and proud family members who needed to be greeted outside the competition area. This may have been the biggest surprise of all for the Canadian three as they arrived at the buzzing concourse of the Water Cube.

As Valerie Grand’maison, Kirby Cote and Chelsey Gotell emerged and found the arms of loved ones, the adoring locals were upon them. Hordes of Chinese fans surrounded the Canadian swimmers and clicked away, their digital cameras capturing the moment. They seemed so starved for the presence of champions from afar, so eager to be close to the glow of their North American visitors who had tamed these waters.

It was a landmark space in time and one not to be missed. They were a triumvirate of accomplished Canadian women who compete for little else beyond the glory of sport and this was their opportunity to bask in the sun.

It was unique and moving and something not to be missed.

They were sweeping the nation here in China. Hopefully the same feeling will resound back home in Canada, half a world away.

All we have to do is open our eyes to see how truly great we can be.