VICTORIA—Kamylle Frenette will be trading in her triathlon race suit for a pharmacy lab coat. The two-time Paralympian crossed the finish line of her triathlon journey at Paris 2024 to dedicate more time to her pharmacy profession and being closer to home.
“There’s never really a perfect time to retire. But I always said I wanted to write my own ending while I still loved the sport, and I’m proud to be doing just that,” said Frenette.
The talented multi-sport athlete from Dieppe, N.B. racked up 21 podiums including five victories in her 30 international starts throughout her 10-year career on Triathlon Canada’s National Team. She placed fourth in both of her Paralympic appearances (Paris 2024 and Tokyo 2020) and was third at the 2022 World Triathlon Para Championships in Abu Dhabi.
“People often see the results – the medals, the times, the podiums – and of course, those moments matter. But there are so many little victories that happen behind the scenes,” added Frenette, who was born with a condition called Unilateral Talipes Equinovarus, more commonly called club foot, resulting in her right foot being two sizes smaller than her left and reduced mobility in her ankle.
“I’m incredibly proud to have had the courage to accept my differences and to start this journey in the first place. I’m proud of the way I pushed through setbacks and heartaches, and that I kept going even when it was hard. And, I’m proud that I allowed myself to dream big, sometimes wildly big. But more than anything, I’m proud of the person this sport has helped me become,” said Frenette.
She definitely should be. Frenette’s dedication to both her sport and her profession exemplifies her remarkable work ethic and resilience.
Her journey in triathlon began at a young age, inspired by watching her father compete. At 16, she started training and racing locally with him. She competed in sprint distances until she was 18, when she participated in her first Ironman in Calgary. From 2014 to 2018, she focused on her running with the Université de Moncton cross country team. In December 2016, she was approached by Triathlon Canada’s Para head coach at the time, Carolyn Murray, to join the sport, and she quickly found success on the international stage.
Frenette enjoyed a stellar rookie season in 2018, winning her first Paratriathlon World Cup race and finished second in the World Triathlon Para Series in Edmonton. She continued to build on her success and reached the podium in each of her four preparation races leading into the Paris 2024 Games including a gold medal triumph in her final World Triathlon Para Series race in Montreal one year ago.
Moreover, in addition to her athletic achievements, Frenette graduated from Université de Moncton with a degree in biology in 2018 and earned a second degree in pharmacy from Dalhousie University in 2022. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she never hesitated to give back to her community where she worked as a frontline healthcare provider, delivering vaccinations while continuing her training.
“When I first entered this sport, I carried a lot of uncertainty around where I truly belonged. I questioned whether I fit in the Paralympic world, and whether my story had a place in that space. But over time, through racing, connecting with other athletes, and growing into my identity, that question has softened,” said Frenette who was ranked fourth overall in the women’s PTS5 category. “These feelings of identity and belonging may never be fully black and white, and that’s totally okay. I’ve come to accept that. It’s in that gray space where the most meaningful growth has happened.
“One of my absolute favourite parts of competing in Parasport has been the people. From teammates and coaches to the incredible IST staff, competitors, and the race organizers around the globe. I’ve been lucky to meet so many amazing, passionate individuals. This team, and really this entire sport, has meant the world to me. It’s shaped who I am and given me lifelong friendships and memories.”
Frenette credits that camaraderie and friendship, a top-notch coach and a world-leading support team for helping her achieve her dream of competing on the international stage.
“Kamylle developed into a world-class triathlete and is an even better person on and off the racecourse,” said Lisa Mensink, Paralympic Pathway Lead, Triathlon Canada. “Kamylle came into Para sport questioning whether or not she belongs and I can assure you she leaves having been a very important person in our community internationally who has played significant role in making it a an even better and more inclusive place to be. Kamylle has knocked down every barrier in front of her to succeed on the field of play while challenging what inclusion truly means. I’m very proud of Kamylle’s accomplishments and I know she will always be a very important part of our community.”
Having recently purchased a house just two kilometres from the beach, Frenette has moved back to where her journey all began in New Brunswick to be closer to family and with her husband.
“I started this whole sport training with my dad. We traveled across New Brunswick every weekend in our camper, competing together. My mother, who has always been our rock, would get up at the crack of dawn to help us get ready and cheer us on. My favourite place to race has always been on the beaches of my home province and I’m so happy to be back home,” said Frenette, who is now focused on her career as a hospital pharmacist, a path she is deeply passionate about.
“More than anything, I’m looking forward to spending time with all of these people I love and who I have had to say ‘no’ to a lot in order to chase big dreams. Now I get to be the ‘yes’ girl. Yes to family dinners, weekend getaways, and spontaneous adventures with friends.”
But make no mistake about it, Frenette will still be racing local events on those glorious Maritime beaches that provided the foundation for her to develop into one of the world’s best triathletes. Only this time she will always have friends and family beside her on the start line.
“Of course I’ll still be racing. You’ll see me at the start line, but maybe with a coffee in hand and a big smile instead of nerves.”
