Para hockey athlete Raphaëlle Tousignant, the initial female player to represent Canada in a major global contest, has disclosed her breast cancer diagnosis. In a recent Instagram post, she expressed her surprise at facing this challenge once again but acknowledged life’s unforeseen turns. Tousignant, who had her leg amputated at age 10 due to bone cancer, emphasized her resilience in overcoming past adversities both on and off the ice.
Originally from Terrebonne, Quebec, Tousignant joined the Canadian women’s Para hockey team at just 14 years old and quickly became a standout player within the program. In 2023, she achieved another milestone by becoming the first woman selected for Canada’s national team at a world championship event. At 23 years old, Tousignant had her sights set on making history as the first female Para hockey competitor for Canada at the upcoming 2026 Paralympic Games in Milan-Cortina, Italy.
Despite the conventionally mixed-gender nature of Para hockey at the Paralympics, female representation remains limited, with only a few women having participated in past games. Tousignant remained resolute in pursuing her Paralympic aspirations despite her recent health setback, viewing each training session and on-ice opportunity as essential steps towards her ultimate goal.
Additionally, Tousignant contributed to Canada’s silver medal at the inaugural world women’s Para hockey championships in Slovakia. Reflecting on her ongoing battle with cancer, she remains steadfast in her determination, viewing this chapter as part of her larger narrative and drawing strength from the support and determination that surrounds her.