Paralympian survived bus crash that killed 16 competing in different sport at Paris 2024 Games

A Paralympian who miraculously survived a bus crash that claimed 16 lives is set to make his debut at the Paris 2024 Games .

Jacob Wasserman, a former hockey prospect, will represent Canada in Para rowing - six years after a horrific collision left him paralyzed from the navel down. Wasserman was the top goalkeeper for his junior hockey team - the Humboldt Broncos - until the catastrophic 2018 accident altered his life forever.

The goalie and his teammates were en route to a playoff game in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League when their team bus was hit by a lorry. The other driver failed to stop at a flashing stop sign and collided with the coach, killing 16 Broncos players and staff in what became Canada's deadliest road accident in two decades.

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Wasserman was one of only 13 survivors, but he emerged from the incident paralyzed from the waist down. However, after taking up Para rowing in late 2022 following a friend's suggestion, the 24-year-old embarked on an inspiring journey to compete at the Paris Games.

His swift ascent in the sport led to him winning a gold medal at the Canadian Para Rowing Championship. Wasserman also secured silver at the 2024 World Rowing Americas Paralympic Qualification Regatta in Rio de Janeiro, earning him a spot on Canada's Paralympics team.

The athlete had his sights set on the Los Angeles Olympics, yet his undeniable talent has accelerated his journey, landing him a slot in the men's PR1 single sculls at the Paris games. Set to compete in a 2,000-meter race designed for rowers with lower limb impairments, he'll commence his challenge on August 30.

The road to Paris has been intense, involving a rigorous month-long routine of training twice daily, six days a week, on Regina, Saskatchewan's tranquil Wascana Lake. When the competition unfolds, his wife, brother, and parents will be there cheerleading for him, alongside former teammates from the Broncos, who remain some of his most enthusiastic supporters.

Wassermann expressed his gratitude, noting: "All those guys are my biggest supporters, I think, besides my wife and family for sure," He went on to emphasize the camaraderie that persists among them, mentioning, "They're the best. We keep in touch all the time. At least once a year we all try to meet up and they've sent lots of words, saying they're pumped for me and they can't wait to watch me out there."

Exploring a range of adaptive sports, including Para ice hockey and adaptive water skiing, Wassermann eventually decided to close the chapter on sledge hockey as he felt it was part of his life that concluded with his injury.

His competitive spirit remains unshaken, as reflected in his words: "I like to compete," Wassermann said. "I like how hard the workouts are. It's a bit of a thrill, too, to be out there on the water and doing things that I wasn't doing before I was injured."