Three questions with Canadian Paralympian Nikita Ens

Nikita Ens (BSc’11) knows how to persevere while facing new challenges.

Ens is one of five recipients of a 2025 Alumni of Influence Award from the College of Arts and Science.

Ens graduated from USask in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in biology. Though she intended to study medicine to become a doctor, she was unsuccessful in her applications. Instead, she went into nursing and excelled in athletics including swimming, cycling, marathon running, and rock and ice climbing. In 2014, she became paralyzed in an automobile collision.

While adapting to life as a quadriplegic, Ens discovered para-swimming through the Saskatoon Lasers Swim Club. She set Canadian records by 2019 and earned a spot on the Canadian Paralympic Team at the 2021 and 2024 Paralympic Games.

Ens holds nine national swim records and is a 2022 World Championship silver medalist in the 50-metre breaststroke. At the 2024 Paralympics, she placed ninth in the 50-metre backstroke S3 and 15th in the 100-metre freestyle S3.

The College of Arts and Science asked Ens a series of questions about her experience at USask and her advice for current students. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Q: What is your favourite memory about your time in Arts and Science?

(My) favourite memories include studying with friends under the sun in the Bowl, and working out at the PAC.

Q: How did your Arts and Science education help you in your career?

My Arts and Science education helped teach me many things, including perseverance. My initial intention was to study medicine. I was interviewed but was unsuccessful. At the time, I viewed it as a failure, but I see now how it contributed to great experiences in later years.

Not getting into medicine gave (me) time to work in the Yukon and to learn and lead rock and ice climbs. Eventually, after some ride-alongs with Whitehorse paramedics, I became a registered nurse. Later, after paralysis, I was able to travel the world during my para-swimming career. Some experiences along the way are not what I would have freely chosen, but by the grace of God, and because of Jesus my Lord, they have and will turn out for my good. The adventure continues....

Q: What advice would you offer to current students in Arts and Science?

Be intentional about choosing your direction and strive for the treasure that lasts. Use wisdom to choose what to bring along, what to set aside, and who to travel with. Have grace for yourself and others as you navigate the hills and valleys.

For students who are, or have been, disappointed if their initial plans or dreams don't come to fruition, I'd say: Ugh. That sucks, and I'm sorry. Mourn. Process. Then reassess your goals, seek the best option, plan to reach it, and press for the new goal. Getting knocked down can be painful or humiliating, but sometimes it is the fertilizer that produces the most fruitful plants. Never give up.

The Alumni of Influence Awards celebrate and recognize outstanding alumni of the College of Arts and Science. The recipients’ remarkable achievements have impacted their fields, their communities and the university.

If you know a College of Arts and Science graduate who is making a difference, submit a nomination. Nominations can be made at any time of the year.

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