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Athlete Rep Profiles

 

 2009 AthletesCAN Forum – Voices of 2010 and Beyond
Athlete Leader Profiles

 

 

 
 

Vivian Berkeley - Athlete Rep (Blind Lawn Bowls)

I grew up in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia where I attended Sir Frederick Fraser boarding school for the blind and/or visually impaired (formerly known as the school for the blind). I have 2 children (Laura and Michael) and recently celebrated 35 years of marriage with my husband, Richard. I was one of the founders of the Blind Bowls Association of Canada for blind lawn bowlers in Canada and this past April, I was elected to the International Blind Bowls Association World Executive. I have been bowling competitively since 1994.
 
Career Highlights
2009 - Melbourne, Australia - Silver Medal in an International Lawn Bowling Tournament
2002 - Adelaide, Australia - Gold medal in International Bowl for all Disabilities
1996 - Atlanta, USA - Paralympic silver medal
 
Connor Curson – Athlete Rep (CanoeKayak Canada)
 
I have been participating in the sport of Whitewater Slalom kayaking for the past 10 years but I also enjoy a variety of paddle sports, mountain biking and back country skiing. I have been the athlete rep for the past year and am in my final year of my Political Science undergraduate degree at the University of Calgary.

At the 2009 AthletesCAN Forum I would like to learn more about how to work productively with small, volunteer committees concentrating on communication and conflict resolution.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Christopher de Sousa Costa (Karate)

Chris was born in Toronto, Ontario. He started practicing karate at the age of 7 training under Sensei Shah Franco, and achieved his black belt by the age of 11. A year after starting karate, Chris regularly competed in Provincial Grand Prix's, waiting for the chance to turn 14, where he could be of age to qualify to compete at the National Championships. In 2002, Chris started training under Sensei Don Ritter and committed himself to competitive sport karate, qualifying for every National Championship since he turned 14. 
 
In 2005, at only 18, Chris won the Junior Pan-American  U21 Heavyweight Championship in Uruguay, defeating the current Senior Pan-American Champion of that year. He then went on to place 5th at the Junior World Championships in Cyprus. In 2006 in the Dominican Republic, Chris was the first Canadian athlete to win a bronze medal at his first Senior Pan-American Championship. In 2007, Chris repeated his Junior Pan-American winnings by taking the gold medal again in Ecuador. From 2005 until the end of 2007, Chris was the Team Captain of the Junior National Team.
 
Chris currently trains out of Etobicoke, Ontario, at the International Shotokan Karate Club under Sensei Karl Sutton. Chris, along with his club team mates, are the top team in Ontario and one of the top teams in Canada, producing multiple National Champions every year. Chris is still actively competing for Karate Canada's Senior National Team and producing podium finishes under head coach Manuel Monzon. Chris works as a conditioning specialist at the Sports Performance Centre in Thornhill, Ontario, helping athletes from other sports at all levels to achieve their full athletic potential. 
 
Chris wants to take in as much as possible from the Forum. He hopes to learn about different sport policies and the different services that are offered to help support athletes in their pursuit of excellence. He also takes a special interest in the structure of other combat sport national organizations such as Judo, Taekwondo, Boxing, and Wrestling.
 
Career Highlights
- 2 time Junior Pan-American U21 Heavyweight Champion 2005 Montevideo, Uruguay. 2007 Quito, Ecuador
- 5th place Junior World Championships 2005 Limassol, Cyprus 
- 6 time Canadian Champion (5x Heavyweight, 1x Open Weight)
- North American Heavyweight Champion 2008 Toronto, Canada
- US Open Heavyweight Champion 2009 Las Vegas, USA

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Jason Dunkerley - Athlete Rep (Athletics Canada)
 
I grew up in Newtownardes, Northern Ireland, where despite my lack of sight, I had a pretty normal childhood. I immigrated to Canada (Hamilton, Ont.) at age 13 when my mother remarried and attended W. Ross MacDonald School for the blind where I participated in a variety of sports. I enjoyed running the most but, I never expected it to lead where it did. I ran at the University of Guelph, where I studied international development, but found the transition wasn’t as easy as I’d hoped. The coach of the track team and the track athletes had never worked with a blind athlete and it took me a while to find my stride. When I qualified for my first international competition—the 1998 World Blind Games in Madrid, Spain— I knew I had to find a guide runner to work with on a consistent basis. I found Greg Dailey six weeks before leaving for Madrid and Greg agreed to train and compete with me leading up to and at the Games. When we won gold in the 1500m and set a personal best by seven seconds, Greg made the decision to work with me long term.
 
In 2005, I had to make the decision about whether or not to retire after I was hit by a car while jogging home from a hockey game. I suffered a fractured skull and a broken leg, but not a broken spirit. I vowed to come back stronger than ever and I did just that.
 
At my fourth AthletesCAN Forum, I hope to continue to learn and be inspired by the leaders and advocates, and to be engaged with the sport community and the key issues it faces. I was so inspired at the 2007 Forum in Whitehorse, Y.T., I ran for the board of directors and was elected. I feel that the strong tradition of athlete advocacy in Canada is crucial to uphold, and I hope to continue to evolve and to encourage others to develop as athlete leaders in order to keep the athlete voice alive.
 
Career Highlights
2008 – Beijing, China – Paralympic Bronze Medal
2007 - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – 2 Parapanamerican Gold Medals
2004 – Athens, Greece – Paralympic Silver Medal

Eleonore Elstone - Athlete Rep (Canadian Equestrian Foundation)

I grew up in Germany and started riding at the age of seven on a pony my mom
gave to my brother and I for Christmas. As a teenager I competed in Young
Rider Competitions in dressage, jumping and eventing. After a riding
accident in 1979 I concentrated on training and competing in dressage, and I
have been long listed on the Canadian Dressage team several times with
different horses that I have trained.
 
I have been a Level III D coach since 1991 and have coached many young
athletes. Several of them have competed in the annual North American Young
Rider Championships. I also have been on the Competition Development
Committee for Dressage working on various modules for Sport Canada.
 
Since 2006 I have been competing in Para Equestrian events. I was a team
member of the Canadian Para Equestrian Team at the 2007 World Championships
in Hartpury England and the Paralympics in Hong Kong in 2008. In 2009 I won
1st and two 2nd places at the Moorsele CPEDI in Belgium .
 
I train out of Pacific Country Stables in Langley BC. My daily riding
sessions are complemented by pilates for equestrian training.
 
I am looking forward to meeting people from other sports at the Forum and to
be inspired by their ideas and experiences.
 
Career Highlights
2009 – Belgium – 1 gold and 2 silver medals at the Moorsele CPEDI

 

Sonja Gaudet (Canadian Curling Association)

 
I grew up in North Vancouver, BC playing a lot of different sports. When I was 31 years old, I suffered a T-56 spinal cord injury as a result of a fall from a horse. I had to learn how to do everyday life tasks again as well as raise by 3 and 6 year old children. Three years after my accident, I tried different adapted sports like wheelchair basketball, but it wasn’t until I turned 37 that I started wheelchair curling and ultimately my Paralympic career. In 2006, I was selected for Team Canada, and went to the Torino Paralympic Games, the first time that wheelchair curling was in the Paralympics. My team and I played extremely well and captured the gold medal! Looking forward to 2010 in Vancouver my goal is to be at my best performance level so I can help the team with its own goal of winning each game one at a time and hopefully finishing on the podium.

This will be my first AthletesCAN Forum and I look forward to networking with other athletes and learning about other paralympic sports and how teams have developed sport specific equipment, tryout and qualification processes, and created interest at the grass root level.
 
Career Highlights
2006 – Beijing, China – Gold Paralympic Medal
  

Christine Girard (Canadian Weightlifting Federation)

 
I was born in Elliot Lake, Ontario, but I have been living in Rouyn-Noranda since I was 7 years old, with my parents and my four older sisters. I was introduced to the sport of weightlifting 14 years ago, at the age of 10. I competed in the Senior Canadian Championships for the first time when I was 15, and attended my first International Championships a year later. I competed twice in the Commonwealth Games, and twice in the Panam Games. I was a member of the Olympic team in 2008.

 
I would like to learn more about our responsibilities towards other athletes, and towards our federation. The athletes of our sport are scattered across Canada, therefore I would like to gain new skills that would help me to become a better representative in this challenging environment.
 

Career Highlights
2008 – Beijing, China - 4th place, Olympic Games
2007 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – 2nd place, Panam Games
2006 – Melbourne, Australia – 2nd place, Commonwealth Games
(with a record at the 2006 Games and in 2006 at the clean and jerk)
 
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 Patrick Goeres - Athlete Rep (Orienteering Canada)

I am a 24-year old, full-time athlete competing for Canada in the sport of Orienteering. My dream is to medal at the World Orienteering Championships, which would be Canada’s best ever result. Orienteering is an endurance sport similar to cross-country running - instead of a marked course; we use a map and compass to navigate through the forest as fast as possible between checkpoints. I have competed at the World Championships 3 times and am currently training hard for the 2009 World Champs in Hungary! I am a part time mapper and clinician for orienteering, and I enjoy being involved with our national team, particularly working with our promising junior athletes.

I am looking forward to meeting all the like-minded athletes at the AthletesCAN Forum and am particularly interested in learning about the structure of other sports' Junior programs including their Junior Development and High Performance models.
 
Career Highlights
2008 – Czech Republic – 24th place at World Orienteering Championships for Relay
2007 – Denmark – 45th place at Open Nordic Orienteering Championships for Sprint

 

 

 
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Andrew Haley (Swimming)

I have had the good fortune to have accomplished many of my dreams in swimming. Among the many world records I have set, the two that stand out are in 2000 at the Paralympics when our team not only won the gold medal, but we set the world record in the 400 medley relay; and in the 100 butterfly in 2002. I grew up in Nova Scotia, moved to Ottawa for my master’s degree, then went to Calgary for four years to train before settling in Toronto in 2003 where I work full time for the Blue Jays. My career highlight is in 1998 when I won the gold medal in the 100 butterfly at World Championships. I am now married and I met my wife at, what else, but a competition in 2007 for the Pan American games in Rio De Janeiro. An interesting fact is on the morning of the day I got married, December 13, 2008, I raced in a competition in RIO and won a silver medal against other international athletes.
 
At the Forum I want to meet other athletes, learn about what they are doing and then bring any info back to other swimmers in my sport so we can learn and be better. On a personal level I think Forums like this are always a great tool to become a better communicator with others and to become more aware of the issues facing athletes today and what I can do about them.
 
Career Highlights
1998 and 2002 Gold Medalist, World Champions
2000 World Record and gold medal 400 medley relay, Paralympic games
2002 Broke 100 butterfly world record

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Matt Hallat - Athlete Rep (Alpine Canada)

March 7th 1990, my mother's birthday, at the age of 5, I was diagnosed with a form of cancer called Ewings Sarcoma. Less than 1 month before my sixth birthday I had my right leg amputated through the knee. After a year of chemotherapy, many ups and downs , my life was never going to be the same, but my love of sports only grew.
 
Growing up I played soccer, baseball, hockey, golf, and mountain biked. But I had found my calling the moment I stepped into my first ski. The exhilaration of racing down the mountain, dodging in and out of people was something that was unlike anything I'd ever experienced. A coach I had described it best: “When I get up in the morning, go to work, the grocery store, and take on the normal day's tasks, I am disabled. But when I step into a ski, I am equal. I can ski with anybody.”
 
I knew when I was young that I wanted to be an Olympic champion. When I was at Decision Day in GM place that early morning in July 2003, I realized I had the opportunity to accomplish my goal at home, something that had never crossed my mind and something that made the desire to be successful that much greater.
 
I am attending the 2009 AthletesCAN Forum to learn a bit about what the other sports are doing, and areas in which they are having success.
 
Career Highlights
2009 – Whistler, Canada - Finished 7th in a World Cup Downhill race
2009 – La Molina, Spain - Finished 7th in a World Cup Slalom race
2009 - World Cup Downhill Ranking – 8th

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Trevor Hirschfield (Wheelchair Rugby)

I was born on December 21, 1983 in Langley BC, and grew up in Parksville BC. Growing up I played a variety of sports such as baseball, hockey and football. I was introduced to wheelchair rugby in 2001 after my injury and instantly had a passion for the game. Cracking the Canadian National team squad in 2004, I found myself part of the top 12 in 2006 and representing Canada at the 2006 World Wheelchair Rugby Championship where we placed 3rd. In 2008 I was fortunate enough to be part of the top 12 again this time representing my country at the Paralympics where we placed 3rd. I am currently training to be part of the 2010 World Wheelchair Rugby Championships which will be hosted in Richmond, BC.
 
My first forum experience was amazing and being there with all the different athlete reps definitely made the whole experience. I felt privileged to represent my sport. I want to learn and take away as much as I can from each Forum I take part in. It is important for me to help the growth of my sport in the community. I feel that the Forum can offer me the necessary networks and information in doing so.

 

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Benoit Huot - Athlete Rep (Swimming Canada)

Benoît est né le 24 janvier 1984 et a vécu toute son enfance à St-Hubert, sur la rive-sud de Montréal, avec ses parents, Gilles & Lucie, et sa sœur ainée, Geneviève. Malgré son léger handicap, ses parents l’ont quand même inscrit à différentes activités (patins, karaté, baseball, etc), c’est en 1992 à l’âge de 8 ans qu’il a découvert la natation ;un sport idéal pour lui. En 1998, lors des Championnats Canadien à Sherbrooke, il réussit à se qualifier pour faire partie de l’Équipe Nationale de natation pour athlètes avec handicap. C’est à partir de là que sa vie a pris tout un tournant ; à l’âge de 14 ans il fait ses débuts sur la scène internationale au championnats mondiaux du Comité International paralympique (CIP).  Il y remporte deux médailles d'or et quatre d'argent.  Aux Jeux paralympiques de 2000 à Sydney, il ajoutera à son palmarès trois autres médailles d'or et trois d'argent et encore huit médailles aux championnats mondiaux du CIP de 2002 en Argentine.  Benoît décrochera ensuite cinq médailles d'or et une d'argent aux Jeux paralympiques d'Athènes en 2004, tout en établissant trois records mondiaux.  En 2005, Benoît remporte six médailles d'or aux Disability Sport England Swimming Champioships et enfin une médaille d'or et une d'argent à la toute première Coupe du Monde paralympique, à Manchester. Benoît s'est mérité 4 médailles de Bronze lors des derniers Jeux Paralympiques de Beijing. Il fût atteint d'un virus lors de la deuxième journée des compétitions mais il s'en est très bien tiré malgré tout.
 
Parallèlement à la natation, il poursuit ses études.  Il a fait ses études secondaires  à l’École de Mortagne à Boucherville dans le programme Sport-Étude. Par la suite, il a étudié au Cegep Edouard-Montpetit encore un fois dans le programme Sport-Étude et il poursuit présentement ses études à l’UQAM en Communications.
Entre ses études, ses entraînements et ses compétions, Benoit donne des conférences dans des écoles ou des entreprises ou encore offre son temps à différentes causes.
 
I am attending the 2009 AthletesCAN Forum because I would love to share my thoughts and ideas with others.
 
Career Highlights
-16 Paralympic Medals
-20 World Championship medals
-World Record holder in his category

  

Brandi Jacobson Prentice (Racquetball)

My parents owned and operated a racquetball club in my home town Saskatoon, SK so I began playing racquetball at a very young age. At the age of 7 I was already attending my first Junior World Championships. I guess you can say I grew up in the sport - literally. I have been in love with racquetball ever since.

I learned a lot at the Forum in Richmond, BC. I made some good contacts from other sports as well as furthering my knowledge base of how to get my voice heard as an athlete. There was a lot to take in at this year’s conference and I'm going to use as much of it as I can.

Career Highlights
16 time Junior National Champion
4 time Junior World Champion

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Jill Lange – Athlete Rep (Ringette Canada)

I learned how to skate on the outdoor rinks in Edmonton during the Oilers cup run and followed my older sister into ringette when I was 5.  I fell in love with the game and haven't looked back since.  I started playing on the National Team in 2004 and have 2 silver medals from the World Championships... still holding out for that gold though!   I moved out to Vancouver last summer and am now working for VANOC and I'm so excited to be a part of the Olympic experience.  
 
I look forward to connecting with the other athletes at the AthletesCAN Forum again this year.  It is a valuable weekend to share ideas about challenges, resources and programs in each of our sports.  I am also looking forward to the excitement and celebration of sport that the Forum provides!
 
Career Highlights
2007 – Ottawa, Ontario, Canada – 2nd place at World Ringette Championships
2004 - Stockholm, Sweden - 2nd place at World Ringette Championships
6 time National Champion
 

Janet McLachlan - Athlete Rep (Canada Basketball)

I started playing Wheelchair Basketball after suffering a career ending knee
injury playing Rugby in 2005. Prior to that I had played standup basketball
at the University of Victoria from 1995-2000 and was a member of the
Canadian Women's Student Basketball team that competed in the FISU Games in
Beijing in 2001. Realizing I was a little small for International Basketball
I made the switch to Rugby and was hoping to make the World Cup team in 2006
before my knee injury. I have been on the National Wheelchair Basketball
Team since May 2008.
 
I am looking forward to meeting athletes from all sport disciplines and
having an opportunity to learn with and from them.
 
Career Highlights
2008 - Making the national team
2008 - Competing in Beijing
2009 - Being a part of the rebuilding process we are currently undergoing
as a team

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Alana Miller - Athlete Rep (Squash Canada)

Alana Miller was born July 22, 1980, and has been moving up the ranks of international squash since. Her current world Ranking: no. 41 with a career high of World Ranking: no. 31 – an amazing feat for a Canadian Squash player.
 
At the 2009 AthletesCAN Forum, I would like to learn to be a better representative of squash and bring more attention to the sport. I look forward to hearing about how other athletes have managed the retirement phase of their career and meeting athletes from different sports and hearing their success stories.


Career Highlights
3-time Canadian National Champion - 2003, 2007, 2008
Professional Wispa Tournament Winner - July 2007
2007 Pan Am Games in Rio De Janeiro - Gold and Silver medalist at in the team and individual events respectively

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Kyle Miller – Athlete Rep (Canadian Lacrosse Association)

I grew up in Orangeville, Ontario and started playing lacrosse at 4 yrs old in the Orangeville Minor Lacrosse system.  I then went on to play 5 years of Jr. A with the Orangeville Northmen and represented Canada in the 1999 U19 World Championships in Australia where we won a silver medal.  I went to Cornell University but was diagnosed with Osteosacroma 2 weeks before the sophomore season and promptly returned to Toronto for chemo and surgery. After my recover, I returned to Cornell for my Junior and Senior seasons and was then selected by the Rochester Rattlers to play Major League Lacrosse.  In 2006, I was selected to play for Team Canada in the World Championships where we won the gold medal. 
 
I’ve been the athlete rep for the sport of Lacrosse for 2 years; have been able to experience and graduate from the Dale Carnegie Leadership course; and am looking forward to my second AthletesCAN Forum in Richmond, BC.
 
Career Highlights
2008 – Shanghai, China – Selected as the Canadian representative to run one of final legs with the Olympic Torch
2006 – London, Ontario - Gold Medal at World Lacrosse Championships

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William Milroy - Athlete Rep (Badminton Canada)

 
I grew up in Edmonton, Alberta. I have been involved in badminton for over 20 years and have dedicated the last 10 years to being a professional player. While I have achieved so much in this time, I have also come short in achieving my goals. However, the best part of my experience is that being a professional player has transformed my life and my attitude towards success. In sport, in business and in my personal life, badminton has prepared me for the challenges ahead.  

What interests me the most about these forums is the opportunity to see and to connect with the network of athletes and organizations that exist across Canada.
 
Career Highlights
2007 - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Gold Medalist at Pan American Games
2005 – Silver medal at Pan Am Games (Men’s Doubles)
2004 – Gold Medal at Czech International Open (Men’s Doubles)

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Mandy Moran – Athlete Rep (Diving Canada)
 
I was born and raised in Thunder Bay, ON and began diving at age of 10. In 2000, I received full athletic scholarship to attend University of Arkansas and qualified for Canadian National Team in 2004 after completing my Bachelor's Science Degree in Marketing Management.  Currently I am the Marketing Manager at Avant Garde Inc. in Calgary, AB while training full time. I won my first national title and first international Medal in 2009 and am now training for the London Olympics in 2012.
 
At my second AthletesCAN Forum, I hope to continue to learn from other Canadian athletes as to how organizations within our sport system are supporting their athletes.  I am also looking forward to participating in the 2009 KidsCAN School Day to reach out to Canada’s youth by encouraging them to find their passion and engage in active and healthy lifestyles. 
  

Career Highlights
2009 - Canadian Senior National Championships - Gold on 3M, Bronze on 1M
2009 - Spain Grand Prix - 3rd on 3M Synchro
2009 - Canada Cup - 3rd on 3M Synchro
 
 
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Carolyn Murray - Athlete Rep (Triathlon Canada) 
 
I am now retired after competing in the sport of triathlon for 9 years,
finishing my career at the Beijing Olympics. I am now coaching part time
with the junior elite and development athletes in Victoria, and attending
Pacific Rim College studying Acupuncture. In the sport of triathlon it is
very common to have the athlete rep as a former national team member mainly
due to the huge time commitment required with training.

At Forum, I hope to learn about how I can assist the athletes better and to
learn more about AthletesCAN. 
  
Career Highlights
2008 – Beijing, China – 1st Canadian in Olympic Games
2008 - 1st at Richards Bay World Cup
2007 - 17th at World Championships

Sarah-Eve Pelletier - Athlete Rep (Synchro Canada)

I have been involved in many sports since the age of 5 including skiing, golfing, surfing, parachute, boxing, going to the gym and of course, synchronized swimming.  Currently, I am studying Law at Laval University and have started a university diploma at Montpellier, specializing in Sports Law.  In the meantime, I work part-time doing research and writing my third legal manual; teach cardio Tae bo and am a model.  I am also a part-time coach and choreographer for which there is a great demand here in Europe. I am lucky enough to be part of Virginie Dedieu’s team; the most prestigious team of coaches and choreographers in the world.  On top of coaching a national team in France, I have contracts all over; fulfilling one of my life long goals.

I’m looking forward to gaining further knowledge of the sport system through the workshops and networking sessions, which ultimately will allow me to positively influence the athletes I represent at Synchro Canada.  I am also excited about meeting new athlete leaders and sport mentors; acquiring new skills in order to improve the training and competition environment for Canadian swimmers; and discovering new ideas that will help more retiring athletes continue to stay involved in sport.
 
Career Highlights
2007 – Zurich, Switzerland - 4th at International Swiss Open
2007 – World Record holder for longest underwater length
2006 – Orlando, Florida – 2 silver medals in US Open Senior (Solo Team and Combo events)
 

Olivier Pineau (Taekwondo)

As a child, I didn’t seem destined to practice sports in any way, shape or form, as I looked down upon any form of physical activity and buried myself in books and artwork. Soon enough, though, the purely aesthetic aspects of oriental martial arts strongly appealed to me, and combined with the added depth and spirituality which martial arts seemed to hold over most other sports, they completely lured me over. I thus began training earnestly at the age of 13 and have not stopped since, exploring various styles and systems before fully embracing the Olympic sport of taekwondo, in which I earned my black belt in 1995.
 
Thanks to great coaching, I was fortunate enough to make the Senior National Team the following year. Although I’ve been on and off the team ever since, I’ve still managed to compete internationally quite a bit, although for most of my years on team funding was considerably inferior to what it currently is. I was lucky enough to train with and compete against many of the world’s best players, and earned a couple of international titles along the way. I also pursued University studies in Philosophy, but mostly had to work unrelated jobs all the while, in order to sustain my competitive endeavours.
 
As I find myself nearing the end of my athletic career, I am devoting more and more time to coaching young up and coming athletes, and thoroughly enjoying it. I’ve also made the choice to work full time in the field of taekwondo, taking on the position of Executive Director for the Quebec Taekwondo Federation.
 
As I was also recently entrusted by my fellow athletes with the task of representing them within our NSO, I feel that any tools which I may acquire by participating in my first Athletes Can Forum can only be a precious asset, and I hope, while over there, to broaden my knowledge of the Canadian sport system, to learn from what other NSOs and athlete reps are doing, and of course meet like minded individuals and establish valuable contacts.
 
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
 
- Gold at 2002 Panamerican Taekwondo Championships (Quito, Ecuador)
- Gold at 2006 Commonwealth Taekwondo Championships (Brisbane, Australia)
- 5 time National Champion


Louis Poirier - Athlete Rep (Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton)

I grew up in rural Nova Scotia with a very athletic background competing in 4 sports in high school. The Jeux de l'Acadie were my launching pad, wining the games set me up for my university career in track and field. After graduating with an Honours Degree in Physics I moved to Calgary to pursue a bobsleigh career and my MSc. I competed as a brakeman on the America's and Europe Cup circuit for 3 seasons. In 2006 I graduated from my MSc began my PhD and moved to the driver's seat. I competed 2 1/2 more years on the America's and Europe Cup as a driver before retiring from the sport last winter.

I am looking to meet new people and learn more about sport policy at the 2009 AthletesCAN Forum.

Career Highlights
My 1st international win in my rookie season as a pilot at the Park City America's Cup
Completing my rookie season as a pilot with a bronze medal from the 2man Canadian Championships
Having the 2nd fastest 2man pushes on the Europe Cup in 2008 behind 3 time Olympic medalist Beat Hefti

Michal Popiel - Athlete Rep (Judo Canada)

I was born in Warsaw, Poland in 1985 and moved to Mississauga, ON in 1991. I started training Judo competitively in 1993. In 1998 I moved with my parents to Dallas, TX, where I lived until 2004. I continued to train while I was in Dallas.

In 2005 I left for Japan for one year to study at a university and train Judo. The following year I moved to Montreal, the location of the the national training centre, and have been here since. I attend the University of Concordia and will graduate next year. I am studying Economics.

At the Forum I would like to get input from other athletes about their sport organizations and high performance programs. I think that it will be a great opportunity to share ideas and discover new and interesting strategies for improving Canada's judo program.

Career Highlights
2009 World Cup Bronze Medalist – Brazil
2008 World Cup Bronze Medalist – Oslo, NOR

  

Marina Radu (Water Polo)

I am from Montreal. I'm 25 years old and I started playing water polo at 15, after doing ballet for seven years. I made my first national team trip at 16, and participated in the 2004 Athens Olympics at the age of 19. I hope to medal at the 2012 London games with my team/friends/family.
 
Being an athlete rep I'd like to understand and learn how to better my team and program, by understanding what is offered to help us in and out of the pool.
 
Career Highlights:
- 2003 Junior World Championships, 1st
- 2004 Olympic Games, 7th
- 2009 World Auquatic Championships, 2nd

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Stefanie Reid (Athletics)

I have always had an affinity for sport, and grew up playing every sport I could. As I entered my teenage years, I began focusing on rugby, and started working my way toward a rugby scholarship. My plan changed when at 16, I was involved in a boating accident that resulted in the loss of my right foot. I turned my attention to my studies, but while at Queen’s University, I was introduced to track and field, and decided that I wanted to be a sprinter. After graduating in 2006 with a BScH in Biochemistry, I decided to pursue training and competing full time. That decision resulted in winning a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics! I have committed to training for the 2012 Games, and plan to complete my Masters beyond that.
 
At forum, I would like to understand the workings of Canada’s sport system at a deeper level, and learn how to become a more effective sport leader.
 
Career Highlights:
Canadian record holder, T/F-44: 100m, 200m, 400m,
LJ PanAmerican Record Holder: F-44 Long Jump
2008 Paralympic Bronze Medalist: Beijing 2008, 200m

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Joshua Riker-Fox - Athlete Rep (Modern Pentathlon Canada)

I grew up in Delacour, Alberta. My interest in running and swimming developed early on, largely due to my parent’s influence and encouragement. At the same time and what would eventually be reflected on as a life-changing stroke of luck; a close friend and neighbour lent a pony to our family so that I could learn to ride. As I devloped my skills as an equestrian athlete and concurrently in the pool, I became increasingly involved in an incredible new sport that I had just been introducted to – Modern Pentathlon. The sport of pentathlon consists of five events; running, swimming, shooting, fencing, and equestrian jumping. I caught the Olympic bug in 1988 when Calgary hosted the Winter Games. I fell into my sport, and at the same time, fell in love with it. Through years of work and determination to succeed, I qualified for the Beijing Olympics. I love sport as I think it is one of only a few legitimate tools to help our world progress healthily and successfully.
 
I look forward to learning further skills to bring back to my National Federation. I expect to learn more about the structure of the board, and ways that I can contribute to AthletesCan. If I partake, I really look forward being a part of KidsCan school day, if it is possible this year.
 
Career Highlights
2009 – Orlando, Florida - 3rd at NORCECA Championships
2008 - Beijing, China – 24th at Olympic Games
2007 - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – 3rd at Pan American Games

Kim Savory

I started shooting at age 8, as a Modern Pentathlete/Tetrathlete.  I broke off to just shooting when I was 12, but was still competing in Tetrathlon as well.  I retired from Tetrathlon at age 18, and attended my first National Shooting Championships that year.  I have been on the National Team ever since. I currently hold the Junior and Senior National Records in both Air and Sport pistol. When I am not competing or training, I work as an operation room nurse in New Westminster, BC.

 

This year at the AthletesCAN Forum I hope to continue to make good contacts with other Athlete Reps, as well as to learn more ways that I can be a better Athlete Rep for my sport.

 

Career Highlights

2006 – Melbourne, Australia – 1 Silver and 2 Bronze medals at Commonwealth Games

2002 – Manchester, England – Gold medal at Commonwealth Games

1999 – Winnipeg, Canada – Gold medal in Air Pistol at Pan-Am Games

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Mary Spencer, Boxing
 
Mary Spencer was born the fourth of five children in the small town of Wiarton, Ontario on December 12, 1984. She spent most of her life in Windsor, Ontario where she attended Roseville Public School and W.F. Herman Secondary and began her athletic career. As a soccer, volleyball and all-city basketball player, it became apparent that Mary had the natural gifts of an athlete.

At age 17, she wandered into the Windsor amateur boxing club. Her hard work and athleticism grabbed the attention of Olympic boxing coach Charlie Stewart and after five months of training, Mary had her amateur debut. A 6’ boxer from London, Ontario alias Ines Jelic was opposing a 145 pound Mary Spencer who stood at 5’11”. She didn’t remember who she was or how she got there, but 26 seconds into the first round, all 6 feet of Jelic had to be scooped off of the canvas before Mary could be awarded a TKO.
 
She’s been making a name for herself and Canada in Women’s Boxing ever since.
 
At this year’s Forum, I would like to learn more about funding opportunities for national teams and national sport organizations.
 
Career Highlights
6-time and current National Champion
2-time and current World Champion
 
Kevin Stittle, Sailing
 
Born in Brampton, Ontario Kevin began sailing at age 4.  By 18, Kevin competed for his province at the Canada Games coming away with the Gold medal.  Since these 1997 Games, Kevin has achieved success on both the national and international stage including multiple Canadian & North American Championship gold medals; a bronze medal at the 2007 Pan American Games; silver at the 2008 World Championships and a 4th place finish at the 2008 Olympic Games in the tornado class with partner Oskar Johansson.   Kevin has also been recognized as Canadian Sailing Male Athlete of the Year (2008) and Ontario Sailing Male Athlete of the Year (2008).  Kevin is currently training in windsurfing, the same discipline he won Gold in at the Canada Games. 
 
Outside of training, Kevin enjoys motivational speaking opportunities at various schools and has been the official athlete representative for the sport of Sailing for the last two years; contributing to both the 2007 and 2008 AthletesCAN Forums and participating in three KidsCAN School Days across the country.
 
Kevin looks forward to networking with other sport reps and collectively contributing to building a better amateur sport support resource.
 
Carreer Highlights
4th Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
2nd 2008 Tornado World Championships
5th on ISAF World Ranking
Chris Xu – Table Tennis
 
I was born in Haerbin, China in 1969 and started playing Table Tennis in school at the age of 8. When I was 12, I was selected for the Heilongjiang (provincial) Team then migrated to Canada in 1990 to play for Team Alberta. I made the National Team in 1993 and moved to Vancouver, BC in 1996. I now live in Richmond, BC where I train and coach at the BC Table Tennis Training Centre.
 
I am looking forward to meeting other Canadian high-performance athletes, sharing my experiences, and promoting the sport of Table Tennis.
 
 
 
Career Highlights
2007- Rio de Janeiro - Won silver medal in Team event at Pan Am Games
2005- Niger - Won silver medal in Singles event at Francophonie Games
San Diego - Won Gold medal in Singles event at North America Games
Also Team Canada member in 2000 Olympic Games
 
 
 
 


 
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