Calgarian Alister McQueen wins Paralympic silver in men’s javelin

Calgary’s Alister McQueen won a silver medal for Canada in the men’s javelin throw Friday at the Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro.

McQueen placed second in the F44 javelin event with a throw of 55.56 metres.

According to McQueen’s profile on paralymic.ca, McQueen’s left leg was amputated when he was nine months old due to a congenital birth condition. But that didn’t hold him back from pursuing a sporting career, taking part on competitive football, swimming and hockey teams.

McQueen has been a consistent national team member since the 2011 Parapan American Games in Mexico, where he won bronze medals in the 200-metre sprint and javelin.

This is McQueen’s first Paralympic medal.