Bélanger brought pride to hometown

Pride defender Josée Bélanger, right, played for Canada in Rio and won a bronze medal. (EVARISTO SA/AFP/Getty Images) There was a time Josée Bélanger thought her dreams were unattainable. She made peace with the idea she never would play in the Olympics.

"At some point, I just like put a cross on it and said, 'Well, I'm never going to be able to achieve it,'" Bélanger said. "I didn't know I would get another chance.

"The medal is worth even more to me knowing my journey."

Bélanger nearly retired from international play four years ago due to injuries and disappointment in the way the Canadian women's national team handled the health of its players. Changes over the years and multiple requests…