With the 2016 Rio Paralympics coming up this month, a former Winnipeg resident is preparing to compete in her fourth games.

Michelle Stilwell continues to be one of the fastest women in the world at wheelchair racing.

Stilwell shared how her training routine has changed over the years.

"I think as an athlete you are always looking for ways to get that edge and how to change it up.  You can't just keep doing the same thing.  My life is a little different now then it was back in London so my training has changed and my focus is different. At the same time, 'once and athlete, always an athlete'.  You focus hard and put a solid plan in place so you can succeed."

Stilwell noted after the London games in 2012, she didn't expect to compete in another Paralympics. However, after re-evaluations since the world championships and Pan-Am games Stilwell decided to continue racing for Rio.

Stilwell, who works as an MLA in B.C., holds the world record in the 100, 200 and 800 metre wheelchair races.

"There is busy and then there is productive," explained Stilwell when asked how she balances life as a politician and paralympian. "Time management including scheduling is probably the key to anyone's success that has a goal they want to achieve. I pretty much got everything mapped out for every single day from the time I wake up to the time I close my eyes. Sometimes it doesn't always go as plans but you just keep focused on those important aspects."

Stilwell will be competing in the 100 and 400 metre wheelchair races in Rio after the 200 metre event was removed from the competition.

She stated it's an honor to be named to the Canadian team for another Paralympic games.

"It's an honor and a priveledge every time that you get named to a team this large and incredible," said Stilwell.  "To be competing alongside so many other incredible athletes and to be able to wear the Canadian jerseyand to be able to represent our country on the world stage. I hope I've done that in a positive way over the years."

The world record holder added, although it's her fourth games, she continues to be excited to perform as an athlete.