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Athlete of the Week: triathlete and Paralympian Christine Robbins

Born with a visual impairment Robbins competed in swimming, running, skiing and equestrian show jumping before turning to triathlon.

Visually impaired athlete from Abbotsford used multi-sport background to her advantage in Rio

CBC News ·
Christine Robbins (right) and guide Sasha Boulton (left) finished 10th at the Rio Paralympics. (Christine Robbins)

Name: Christine Robbins

Sport: Triathlon

Hometown: Abbotsford

​Age: 38

Achievement: Robbins and guide Sasha Boulton finished 10th in the Paralympic debut of triathlon in Rio.

Robbins and Boulton make the turn off Copacabana Beach during the Rio Paralympics. (Christine Robbins)

Story: Born with a visual impairment, Robbins competed in swimming, running, skiing and equestrian show jumping — a mix of sports reflective of her highly-athletic family.

She made the move into triathlon after being invited to the first ever para-triathlon training camp in Canada three years ago.

When training and racing it is Boulton's job to act as Robbins' eyes. They swim tethered together so Boulton can help guide — not pull — Robbins around the course.

They ride a tandem bike in the cycling portion of races and run joined by a tether in the final leg of a race. The two have been partners since 2014.

Robbins earned a Masters degree in Public Policy from SFU in 2011.

Robbins (back row, fourth from left) and other B.C. paralympians were welcomed home in downtown Vancouver after returning from the Rio games. (Jacy Schindel/CBC)

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