Andrea Holmes (born 3 January 1982)[1] is a former Canadian Paralympic athlete, para-athlete in long jump, alpine ski, 100m run and high jump, and a Paralympic torchbearer.
Holmes wears a prosthetic on her left leg. She was born with fibular hemimelia and her parents chose to amputate her left foot, so that she could have a more active lifestyle.[2]
As an athlete, she represented Canada from 2002 to 2007, winning a bronze medal for long jump at the Para-Pan American Games in 2007. She was also part of the BC Para-Alpine ski team,[2] and placed third in 2008 in alpine.[3][4]
She has been the Canadian long jump champion four times, the 100m champion three times and holds a Canadian record in high jump.[2]
She is the subject of Coni Martin's short documentary My Favourite Leg, which was shown at the Vancouver International Women in Film Festival and Langara College's Just Film Festival.[2] The film premiered at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City as part of the United Nations Enable Film Festival.[2][5]
She was also a Paralympic torchbearer.[2]
Her coach was Victoria-based Ron Parker.[2]
Holmes completed a degree in International Business at the University of Victoria.[6][1] After the 2010 Paralympics, Holmes retired from competition and became a banker,[2] having taken part in the RBC Olympian program.[7] She has a daughter.[2]
She has several prosthetic legs—for running, swimming, dress and everyday use.[5]