Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor Wassermann named to Paralympic rowing team

Jacob Wassermann's lifelong dream of representing his country at the highest level in sport, to wear the maple leaf on a global athletic stage, has finally become a reality.

Rowing Canada made it official on Thursday as Wassermann is part of Team Canada going to the Paralympics.

"It's still a little surreal," he told CBC Sports. "I know we're like two months out at this point, but it still almost doesn't feel real that I started this journey not that long ago and I'm getting the opportunity to compete at the biggest stage and wear the maple leaf.

"I can't believe it. I'm very grateful for all of it."

Wassermann, 24, is one of 13 people who survived the horrific Humboldt Broncos bus crash tragedy in 2018, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. He was the Broncos' No. 1 goaltender when the crash happened.

"This tragedy happened and it was on a big stage. We were junior hockey players, a bunch of 18 to 20 year olds who were trying to live out our dreams, right? And it happened," he said. "Life moves on and we've all grown from it and are all super appreciative of the support that the world has provided."

WATCH | Wassermann finds freedom on the water:

Sport has played a crucial role throughout his life and was a pivotal part of his healing process. Wassermann started taking Para rowing seriously about a year ago and in a very short time has excelled in the sport. 

"I'm very proud of how far Jacob has come along on his rowing journey," said Adam Parfitt, Rowing Canada's High Performance Director. "Each athlete has their own unique journey, and we applaud Jacob for his commitment and dedication to achieving his own success in Paris and beyond. The whole rowing community and nation is behind him!"

It became apparent