Swiss sportswear brand On has announced the addition of Canadian Paralympic Sprinter Marissa Papaconstantinou to its athlete roster. A three-time Paralympian, Paralympic and World medalist, and Canadian record holder, Papaconstantinou competes in the T64 classification, focusing on the 100m and 200m distances.
Born without her right foot, Papaconstantinou’s journey to elite athletics began at a young age, exploring a variety of sports including basketball, soccer, skiing, tennis, and gymnastics. Soccer was her primary passion for 13 years, but a pivotal moment arrived at age 12 when she received her first running blade. This transformational experience was significantly influenced by her role model, Stephanie Reid, a fellow amputee and Paralympic medalist.
When I ran on my running blade for the first time, it opened up a world of mobility and opportunity I never experienced before, and I haven’t looked back since,” said Papaconstantinou.
She made her international debut representing Canada at the 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships. Her talent quickly propelled her to the highest level of para sport, culminating in her first Paralympic Games appearance at just 16 years old at Rio 2016. While her rookie experience in Rio included a personal best in the 100m, it was followed by pivotal learning moments in the form of a disqualification in the 200m due to a lane violation, and some years marked by significant injury struggles. At the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships, she famously finished a race despite tearing her hamstring. This was followed by a torn knee tendon in 2018 and another hamstring injury in 2019, which derailed her season.
Papaconstantinou’s resilience and drive through trying years were rewarded, since going on to represent Canada at the Paralympic Games two more times – at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, where she won bronze in the T64 100m sprint, and at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. At the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships, Papaconstantinou won bronze in both the 100m and 200m T64 races, further establishing herself as a world-class athlete.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Papaconstantinou is a passionate voice for para sport and a rising figure in media. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s sport media program, she actively works to increase the visibility and understanding of Paralympic athletes and the para sport movement. Her advocacy extends to challenging perceptions and promoting greater representation. Papaconstantinou uses her platform to empower the next generation, frequently highlighting the importance of believing in oneself and showcasing the boundless possibilities within para sport.
Papaconstantinou commented on her decision to join On: “I’m incredibly excited to partner with On as I continue to evolve and strive for growth. Their holistic approach to athlete partnerships will truly fuel my athletic goals and champion my vision of leaving a legacy beyond the track. It’s inspiring to join a company making such a powerful impact with groundbreaking innovation in running & sprinting, and honestly, joining ambassadors like Zendaya just makes me even more thrilled to be part of the On team.”
Kevin Quadrozzi, Athlete Manager at On, welcomed Papaconstantinou with open arms: “Marissa’s journey is a true testament to what’s possible when talent meets unwavering determination, and her commitment to pushing boundaries aligns perfectly with our values at On. We’re beyond thrilled to welcome her to the On family, and we can’t wait to partner with her as she continues to inspire countless others and redefine what’s achievable.”
