Psychology teacher Valerie Hadd has a special connection to the 2024 Paralympic Games which wrapped up this month. Hadd, a certified mental performance consultant with a PhD in sport psychology, has been working with the Canadian paracycling team since 2013.
She’s had the opportunity to work closely with paralympic cyclists for more than 10 years and attended many world cups and high-level international cycling competitions.
In 2016, Hadd went to the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro: “Rio was a fantastic experience. It was the experience of a lifetime.”
As a mental performance coach, Hadd works with athletes on things like building confidence, staying focused, staying motivated during months of off season and managing stress.
“One thing that makes it a little bit easier with para-athletes is that they have learned early on what adversity and what pain is and their relationship with adversity and pain makes it so that often they are able to push themselves more,” said Hadd.
“For many para-athletes they had no choice but to adapt. The level of resilience is really inspiring.”
Hadd said while the Paralympics were running on TV, she would set her alarm for three or four in the morning to watch the paracycling events and cheer on the team from home.
“It’s nice to be able to experience this with them from afar, to see the pride and recognition,” she said.
Hadd said that she’s noticed Para sports getting more attention and coverage in recent years and athletes she works with are benefitting from the shift in attitudes.
“This is the first year that Paralympians are getting the same financial compensation for medals as able-bodied athletes,” she said.
“I’ve come to enjoy watching para sports more than able-bodied sports. Para sports has taught me to look at sports in a different way. It’s about overcoming barriers, being resilient. It’s pretty amazing.”
Hadd works with athletes from across the country who travel to the velodrome in Bromont to train for Team Canada.
She said it’s been a privilege to work with such inspiring individuals.
“I’ve learned just as much working with them as they probably have working with me.”