I am sitting in Germany right now, about to fly back to Canada. It’s funny – the last time I wrote a blog was just after I had returned to Canada after being in Germany!
What has gone on in my life since then? When I returned to Canada after the bobsleigh World Championships, I joined 8 other Olympic and Paralympic athletes in Halifax to start the first ever Olympic Heroes Tour with the Canadian Olympic Committee. It feels strange to be considered a hero – a role that seems deserving of someone who’s done more than pursue personal excellence in their chosen sport. But Adam Kreek (Beijing Olympic Gold Medalist in 8-Man Rowing) described it perfectly when he said, “Heroes are the ones who can overcome the real and metaphoric obstacles we all face, and raise their arms in victory. A hero’s triumph is inspirational, but only when we see a little bit of ourselves in the champion’s eyes. […] The best heroes are unique, but not so unique that we cannot relate. A hero’s triumph gives us hope, not just for what they have done, but for how they do it.” I still don’t think I will ever be able to see myself as a hero. But maybe that’s because I feel too normal. I just hope that maybe others will be able to see their own potential successes and accomplishments through mine.
It was absolutely amazing to spend those 4 days with the other athletes (both currently competing and retired) and COC staff, travelling around Atlantic Canada, continuing the spread of Olympic spirit that the country felt so strongly just over a year ago. And it was truly a pleasure and exciting for me to be able to show them all where I come from – Eastern Canada, a beautiful piece of Canadian paradise. I learned a lot from each of the other athletes and staff members on the tour, and I learned a lot about myself as well.
