Former Humboldt Bronco Jacob Wassermann has qualified for Canada’s men’s rowing team for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Wassermann was one of 13 injured in the 2018 bus crash with a semi-truck that claimed the lives of 16 people. The crash left 24-year-old Wassermann’s lower body to become permanently paralyzed.
Wassermann was a goaltender for the Broncos and established himself as an up-and-coming player before the accident. He even earned the title of the SJHL’s Rookie of the Year in the 2017-2018 season.
Wassermann pursued rowing during his rehabilitation for his injuries. The Paralympics have three categories for rowing competitions: PR1, PR2, and PR3. Wassermann has been chosen to compete in the PR1 category for rowing.
Wassermann has excelled in his rowing journey. He came out on top and won the National Rowing Competition in Duncan, BC, and also recently took home silver at the Continental Qualification Regatta in Brazil.
The Paralympic rowing events are set to be held from August 30th to September 1st featuring both men’s and women’s events.
A Feel-Good Story of Resilience Surrounding the Broncos
Wassermann’s journey is a story filled with resilience and inspiration. One can only admire the hardships these former players have fought through to achieve great things.
Ryan Straschnitski who is also a former Bronco, has also made efforts in solidifying a new athletic journey for himself. Straschnitski who is now 24, has dedicated his current journey in attempting to make Canada’s men’s Paralympic basketball team. He is paralyzed from the chest down.
The Humboldt bus crash will always be remembered as a tragedy that has sparked resilience from it’s survivors. The Paralympics is an event where inspiration and resilience lie with every athlete participating where athletic dreams and passions can once again become true.
