USask education student showcases fortitude through para athletics

“Being in that accident caused a lot of pain and challenges,” Norek said. “At 15, I had to redefine what my self-image was. I had to mourn the loss of my limb and the life I had envisioned as an able-bodied person, and learn to navigate the world as an amputee. Losing my leg meant I had to re-learn how to walk, how to run. Once I got out of the hospital, I couldn’t start wearing a prosthetic leg until I was completely healed on my residual limb. It was a really difficult time.”

That became Norek’s new normal. Everyday independence was suddenly difficult, and she relied on those around her more than ever. 

“Simple tasks that you take for granted required planning,” she said. “ I had lost the ability to easily grab a glass of water because I would have the crutch, and you can’t crutch back holding the glass. My independence was stripped. It’s a weird headspace where you want people there to support you, but you also need to be alone.” 

Throughout her journey, Norek had a great network of support between family and community.

“Everyone has challenges that they face,” Norek said. “I was fortunate enough to have people behind me that were there to pick me up, push me and encourage me when needed.”

As Norek recovered and graduated high school, she assumed she would start classes at USask and focus solely on academics. She never expected to be recruited to para athletics — let alone compete nationally and internationally.

Norek’s introduction to the sport was about being in the right place at the right time. While her family went to the track and field provincial championships in 2024 to support her sister Abbey, her brother Dalton and his friend — Huskie track and field thrower Parker Lavoie — visited booths at the event. They spoke with Saskatoon Track and Field Club (STFC) coaches, and Dalton mentioned Claire’s shot put background and injury. The coaches were interested and wanted to reach out.

“Initially I thought I would be busy with my first year of university and that training would put too much on my plate,” Norek said. “Let’s not worry about this yet. I will have many chances in the future, once I’m ready to start a sport.”

Sask Athletics connected with Claire to discuss para athletics and the upcoming 2025 Canada Games. After the first Zoom conversation, Claire was intrigued. She decided to go to one “learn to” event to see what the sport was about and then she was hooked.

“I can’t believe I ever thought I should wait to start throwing,” she said. “They were talking about how if I really wanted to do it, I could work hard and I could potentially get a chance to represent Saskatchewan.” 

Norek took on the challenge. Competing in women’s seated shot put and discus, she travelled to Ottawa for national classification and earned a spot on Team Saskatchewan, competing at the 2025 Canada Summer Games in Newfoundland. 

Now fully committed to para athletics, Norek has expanded her competition schedule. She competed earlier this year at the 2026 Grand Prix of Athletics in Dubai, where she recorded a personal best of 6.02 metres in women’s seated shot put. Most recently, she threw at the 2026 Canada West Championships as a member of the STFC. Her next goal: the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland this summer.

“I grew up playing basketball, softball and track and field, but not at this skill level or intensity,” said Norek. “I never had as much fun with those sports as I am now. The coaches and the para community are amazing, and the support has been incredible.” 

Her coaches Jen Weber and Tyrell Sawatzky have gone above and beyond in helping her train and move up in the competition world.

Balancing training and travel with her coursework, Norek chose the College of Education because she wants to support secondary students the way her school and community supported her.

“I was a basketball coach for the junior girls team because I couldn’t play basketball after I lost my leg,” she said. “It got me thinking that teaching is something I could really do. I wanted to help people and be close to my family and community. I wanted to go into education to help people who are struggling. I want to help kids and students realize what they love and be someone who supports them in chasing what they want to do.”

She hopes to channel her passions into her teaching English and history, encouraging students to be creative in meaningful ways.

“As long as I’m creating content more than I’m consuming, I find that that’s the way to fulfil life and improve the people around you, as well as yourself.” 

Norek is already making an impact as a peer mentor for the college’s learning communities. Transferring into education from arts and science, she found the program easier to navigate thanks to the guidance of peers and upper-year students. 

“I didn’t know who to go to for help, but the learning community made it so much easier,” she said. “I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to be a peer mentor to practise my skills in teaching. Learning community co-ordinators Chelsea Davis and Mercedes Buye have been very helpful and even made it possible for me to go to my track and field meets.”

Now, Norek wants to help build more inclusive spaces and awareness for para sports so more athletes can share the opportunities she’s found. She highlighted wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, and adaptive skiing as accessible options in Saskatoon. 

“I get to be an athlete for the university I love and am very proud of. But I want others to have the same opportunities as people without disabilities. And it comes down to awareness and funding.”

After overcoming immense adversity, Norek’s enthusiasm to share her experiences while striving to compete on the world stage makes her an inspiring role model — one whose impact will undoubtedly be felt by her future students.