Canadian swimmer Aurélie Rivard wins bronze medal to kick off Paris Paralympics

Canada's Aurélie Rivard started her Paris Paralympics on the podium.

The Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., swimmer won bronze in the women's S10 50-metre freestyle on Thursday at La Defense Arena in her first event of the Games.

It marks Rivard's 11th career podium appearance at the Paralympics, tying her with wheelchair racer Brent Lakatos for most among Canadians in Paris.

"I kind of blacked out there. It went by so quickly. I am a little disappointed by the time, but I can't really be disappointed about the result," Rivard said. "It was a great experience, the other two girls gave amazing performances. I have no control over them, and I am just happy to be able to step on the podium for the 11th time."

WATCH | Rivard wins 50 freestyle bronze:

China's Yi Shen won gold with a time of 27.10 seconds, breaking the world record of 27.37 Rivard set at the 2016 Paralympics. 

American Christie Raleigh-Crossley snared silver at 27.38 seconds, while Rivard touched the wall in 27.62 seconds.

Rivard also won bronze in the 50 free in Tokyo, but she said this medal felt a little different.

"It's nowhere near the same scenario. Back in Tokyo, nothing went right. I didn't feel good about the race, I didn't feel good before or after. I did not have fun. Nothing went right in Tokyo," Rivard said.

"Now, it's not the same. I feel like I let go of the result, the outcome."

Eyeing its first-ever Paralympic medal, Canada's women's sitting volleyball team started just the way it wanted.

Canada beat Slovenia in straight sets 3-0 (25-11, 25-21, 25-12) on Thursday at North Paris Arena in its first match of pool play.

Captain Danielle Ellis and Jennifer Oakes paced the Canadians with 14 points apiece in the victory, while veteran Heidi Peters