Local Para athlete Katie Cosgriffe is on the rise, and what was once an Olympic dream, is now a reality.

Born in Burlington, and living in Oakville, the 18-year-old emerged after being named Canada’s breakout Para swimmer last year, and is now heading to Paris for this year’s Paralympic games.

Cosgriffe was diagnosed with neurological disorder affecting the nervous system in 2021, and says she was able-body swimming until she was about 15.

But, the shift to becoming a Para athlete did not slow her down.

Heading into this year’s Paralympics, Cosgriffe will compete in four events, including the women’s butterfly and backstroke.

“I was not expecting this to happen…the fact that I’m representing my country on the international stage, it’s just crazy for me,” Cosgriffe told CHCH News.

The recent high school grad says she is focused on training full-time, and is looking forward to having her family cheer her on in Paris.

READ MORE: Local athletes make their mark at Paris 2024 Olympics