Canada's Dixon wins first Paralympic gold

But all that changed on Saturday as Dixon broke her own world record to win gold in the women's 100-metre backstroke S9 disability category. Dixon clocked a time of one minute 9.30 seconds, eclipsing the mark of 1:09.61 she set in 2006 at the world championships in South Africa.

"[The record] is the cherry on top," said Dixon, who dedicated her win to her coach Ron Jacks.

"I've been defending this title for a long time, but this world record means more to me now because the field is so much stronger."

American Elizabeth Stone took the silver in 1:11.16, and Ellie Cole of Australia was third in 1:11.87.

Meanwhile, Dean Bergeron of St-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Que., earned Canada another gold medal, winning the men's 100 T52 for wheelchair track athletes in a Paralympic record of 17.47 seconds.

It was the third medal of the Games for Bergeron, who also won gold in the 200 and a bronze in the 400 earlier in the week.

"It was a very close race," said Bergeron, a 38-year-old actuary for Desjardins. "I had an average start and relied on my acceleration."

Montreal's Andre Beaudoin joined Bergeron on the podium after finishing third in 17.77. Beat Bosch of Switzerland was second in 17.51.