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Walter Wu (second from left) celebrated his recent induction to Swimming Canada’s Circle of Excellence with his sister and nephews.

Photo courtesy Walter Wu

Richmond Paralympian inducted to Circle of Excellence

By Hannah Scott, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Published 2:50 PDT, Thu April 14, 2022

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Richmond Paralympian Walter Wu was inducted last weekend to Swimming Canada’s Circle of Excellence.

Wu competed in the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Paralympics and won nine gold, four silver, and two bronze medals. He also set new world and Paralympic records before retiring following the 2004 games.

“Considering I’ve been out of swimming for 20 years, it was a nice thing to go back down memory lane,” says Wu. “I’ve never been one to brag about what I’ve done or not done, but it’s nice to be recognized for what you’ve done.”

The ceremony took place alongside the 2022 Bell Canadian Swimming Trials last weekend in Victoria. Those trials served as a qualification meet for this year’s World Championships and Commonwealth Games.

“It was the first trials they’ve had in two years. There were no spectators, just people filming. Getting on the pool deck, you could feel a vibe, you could feel tension and anxiety,” says Wu.

Wu brought his family to Victoria to celebrate with him, adding that it was their first stay in a hotel since the pandemic began.

“Having family there,” says Wu, “to me that’s the most important (people) that need to see it.”

His former coach, who is still coaching, was also there to mark the occasion. While Wu says it would have been great to have more friends there, he was impressed with the ceremony given the pandemic circumstances.

Reflecting on his years of competitive swimming, Wu says three moments stand out to him: his first gold medal won in Atlanta in 1996, the gold medal he won in Sydney on his mom’s birthday, and the gold medal he won in Athens when both his parents were able to watch him win gold live.

“Unfortunately I didn’t really live in the digital age,” says Wu. “I can’t find the races online, I have to go by word-of-mouth and memory.”

Wu’s swimming career left him with a desire for punctuality; he prefers to be 15 minutes early for engagements and dislikes when people are late. He also maintains strong goal-setting principles.

“If a task is assigned to me, I know I have to get it done, I plan a time frame,” says Wu. “I think those things still carry over from the swimming world.”

He also continues to have a competitive nature, even when it comes to things like board games.

Young athletes whose trajectories were derailed by pandemic cancellations may be feeling discouraged. Wu says he hopes people are able to recognize it’s not their fault and is out of their control, and that everyone is in the same boat.

“If you can succeed in this type of harsh reality, it’s going to set you up for the rest of your life,” he says. “It’s such a short part of your lifespan, but if you can overcome everything there you’re ready for what I call the ‘regular world’; you’re ready for the rest of your life.”

These days, Wu isn’t able to swim due to shoulder injuries. But he keeps healthy by running, and stays busy with work.

“I have an expensive Lego habit,” he adds. “It’s also an investment—I have to open it, I can’t leave it sealed in a box.” His latest Lego project is a $900 Millennium Falcon from Star Wars.