As the excitement of the Paris Olympics fades into memory, another set of elite athletes around the world are preparing for the Paralympics—set to begin in Paris on August 28.

Newfoundland swimmer Katarina Roxon is among them. This will be the fifth Paralympic Games for the Kippens medalist.

She says high level competition is always exciting, and emotional.

“Lots of tears, lots of blood, lots of sweat that goes into this,” Roxon says cheerfully. “As long as you enjoy the process of it, and the process of getting to the games…it makes the whole games enjoyable no matter what the outcome is.”

Roxon is swimming in the 100 meter breaststroke—her main event—August 30. She’s also swimming the 200 meter IM on September 5.

She offers her thanks to the many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who have been supporting her along the way.

She says the well-wishes, encouragement and prayers all mean a lot and really help make a difference to athletes like her in top level competition. “Thank you all so much!”