ST. PAUL - Delani Hulme-Lawrence has officially been named to the Canadian Sailing Development Squad (CSDS).
Hulme-Lawrence, who is originally from St. Paul and still has family in the area, sails and is coached out of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. Being named to the CSDS means she is now a carded athlete.
"I will be a part of team Canada at this year's world championship. It really is a dream come true for myself and my Life over Limb entire team. I couldn’t be any happier," says Hulme-Lawrence. "Being carded means that I will have access to the best of the best resources available within the sport industry in Canada."
In the time since the St. Paul Journal spoke with Hulme-Lawrence a couple of years ago, she has attended the 2018 para word championship in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where she placed 26th overall and fourth female.
"This being my first world championship really opened my eyes to the benefits of training abroad," said Hulme-Lawrence. "There is a lot to be learned from athletes outside of Canada. Everyone has a different approach to training or a unique perspective on competing."
In the 2019 para Sailing World Championship in Puerto Sherry, Spain, Hulme-Lawrence finished 13th overall and second female. This was a personal best for Hulme-Lawrence, and also the hardest event she has competed in.
"Everything was outside of my comfort zone, but we managed to fight until the very end with the most talented sailors from around the world."
In 2019, Hulme-Lawrence's campaign really took off. A handful of St. Paul businesses, including MCSNet, Best Bite and the St. Paul Legion, have stepped up to support her.
"For me, being a part of the team means I am a part of Canada’s legacy. Wearing the maple leaf on my chest means that I have an entire country standing behind me and my goals, that is an honour that not many people get to experience in their lifetime. I am so grateful for everything that everyone has done along the way to help me get here."
While the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed things a bit, Hulme-Lawrence plans to attend the 2020 Clagett Regatta in Newport, Rhode Island in September. She will also be speaking at the Annual Clagett Regatta Fundraiser about the impact sailing has had on her life.
Hulme-Lawrence was born as a left below elbow amputee. In a previous interview with the Journal, she spoke about why sailing is a good fit for her.
"It doesn't matter what you have, able bodied or not. Sailing is a tactical mind game."
