Sport & Mobility
The Olympics & Paralympics

Every athlete competing at the Paralympic or Olympic Games takes a unique journey on their way to the top. While talent, great coaching, and years of hard work are elements almost all have in common, the elite athletes who represent our nation at the highest level often need to overcome seemingly impossible barriers to create opportunities for themselves. This is Philip Kim’s story.

Philip Kim, aka ‘Phil Wizard’, is one of the most creatively original breakers in the Breaking scene.

Igniting a remarkable athletic ability young, and following his love for breaking, Phil’s success was one filled with perseverance, overcoming doubt, and navigating family expectations – as he went off the beaten path.

With the sport of breaking making its debut at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, Phil was suddenly catapulted from a celebrity in his niche community to one of Canada’s top Olympic prospects. Now a trailblazer, Phil’s journey is a testament to the power of betting on yourself.

Born and raised in Vancouver, Phil was 12 years old when he first came across a breaking crew performing at a local art gallery. Phil was instantly captivated and blown away by their skill.

The crew made an impression on him and, when it was time to take a required dance class at school, Phil expressed his interest in learning breaking. The instructor of that class was, coincidently, part of the same breaking crew he had watched perform at the art gallery.

“When I first saw breaking, I remember thinking I could do it, and I could be really good at it. The dance instructor from that class referred to me their studio and, until this day, I still train and work with them.”

Phil was always a creative kid and enjoyed artistic expression, getting lost in the imaginary world and characters of anime.

“To me, breaking felt like one big story told through moves. When you perform, you take on a stage name, a persona, and a battle … and then you go back to just being a regular person.”

In the latter half of high school, Phil started taking his breaking more seriously and knew it was what he wanted to do. Feeling disconnected from school, he deepened his connections with the breaking community.

But, during his final year of high school, Phil was at a crossroads. Coming from a Korean immigrant family, there was immense pressure to pursue a secure and stable career path through education. To please his parents, Phil enrolled in university.

He only lasted one semester.

“My parents were very apprehensive about me choosing breaking as a career path. It was unconventional and they wanted stability for me. But I knew after my first semester of university that I needed to stay true to myself - to take a chance and pursue breaking full time.”

Taking a calculated risk, Phil asked his parents to give him three years to pursue his dream. Although he believed in his ability, having won countless local competitions, Phil needed to prove his own ability to himself. He funded his way to one of the world’s most prestigious breaking competitions in Los Angeles … and won.

“Although I was at the top of my game, I was still experiencing quite a bit of imposter syndrome, and I had doubts as to whether breaking would be a sustainable life for me. It was a grind, and, in the back of my head, I also had the same concerns as my parents.”

Phil’s parents remained supportive and enabled him to continue pursue his passion. Even with their apprehension, they believed in his ability to succeed at anything he loved and stood by him. Over those years, Phil developed the mental resilience required to better overcome the self-doubt and insecurities he felt about his chosen path.

Then, the announcement that breaking would become an Olympic sport opened a whole other world of possibilities.

“The Olympics was never on my radar - or even a possibility - but now the possibilities seem endless. It’s exciting to see how the status of breaking will be elevated by being on this global stage and finally receiving the appreciation it deserves. I hope that I can do for breaking what Tony Hawke did for skateboarding.”

And what advice would Phil give to his younger self?

"Don't doubt yourself. You're going to pursue your passion anyway because you know it's what you love to do. Why engage in a mental war with yourself? If it doesn't work out, you can always explore other paths. Give it your all."

Through the Olympic Games, it’s Phil’s mission to inspire a new generation of breakers - one that that won’t face the same apprehensions from their parents.

Now a Team Toyota athlete, Phil is looking ahead toward Paris 2024, training, staying creative, and championing the breaking community every step of the way. All while making history at the same time.

Every athlete competing at the Paralympic or Olympic Games takes a unique journey on their way to the top. While talent, great coaching, and years of hard work are elements almost all have in common, the elite athletes who represent our nation at the highest level often need to overcome seemingly impossible barriers to create opportunities for themselves. This is Tammara Thibeault’s story.

World boxing champion and Olympian, Tammara Thibeault, wasn’t always sure where she fit in as a child. Finding her sense of belonging through sport, Tammara is determined to change the face of women’s boxing – fighting stereotypes and misconceptions on her way to the top.

Born in Saint-Georges, Quebec, Tammara grew up in a close-knit family. Her father was a Canadian Football League player and eventually moved their family to Regina, Saskatchewan where they settled for a decade. Although athleticism was in her genes, Tammara was the most unlikely athlete in her family. Drawn to books and libraries, she didn’t instantly take to sports the way her siblings did.

But, at the age of nine, Tammara stepped into the Regina boxing club, the oldest club in the area, and embarked on her boxing journey. Inspired by her father, who took up boxing during the off-season to stay in shape, Tammara witnessed the empowering nature of the sport when she saw him compete.

“Watching my dad compete in the ring looked so powerful. I wanted to be like my dad. When I finally got my chance to try, it just felt like I was at home. I was 12 when women’s boxing was introduced to the Olympic Games and, from that moment on, I knew I wanted to be an Olympic champion.”

Growing up in smaller towns, belonging was a feeling she was often missing. As a biracial child born to a Haitian-Canadian mother and French-Canadian father, Tammara looked different from her peers and was often bullied and made to feel like an outsider at school. But, fueled by her love for education and passion for boxing, Tammara emerged stronger and more resilient.

“I had my share of challenges growing up as a kid. Boxing gave me such a strong sense of self and became a safe space where I could channel all my energy. Suddenly, being an athlete wasn’t something I was becoming, it was something I just was.”

Throughout her journey, Tammara has been supported by her coaches, family and a close circle of friends. Their unwavering belief in her abilities has been instrumental in her rise to the elite level of the sport.

“The transition from youth to senior level boxing is where you see a lot of drop-off in the sport. It’s not an easy path, but I was fortunate to see a lot of women doing it, and my love for the sport only grew as I began competing at a higher level.”

With her boxing career quickly progressing, representing Canada at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 was a major milestone for Tammara. But it wasn’t the result she wanted.

“In Tokyo, I was one round away from an Olympic medal. And that was one of the hardest moments for me. I remember leaving the ring and thinking ‘that will never happen again’. That moment taught me to trust in myself and trust in my ability.”

That loss drove Tammara to continue improving her skill and athletic ability, which resulted in her winning several competitions and championships. She began to thrive off of uncertainty and those who doubted her ability fuelled her fire.

But what advice would Tammara give her younger self?

“Enjoy the journey because it goes by so fast. When you’re goal-oriented, you might forget to pause and celebrate the wins along the way. Take it all in and appreciate it before it’s over.”

Motivated by her relentless pursuit of personal growth and her desire to elevate women's boxing, Tammara strives to shatter stereotypes and change perceptions of the sport.

“Boxing is more like chess. Yes, it takes power, but it also takes a lot of intelligence, strategy and quick thinking. Every time I step into the ring, I try to defy misconceptions about women’s sport through my honed skills.”

Outside of the ring, Tammara has always been deeply concerned about climate change. Pursuing an Urban Planning degree, she hopes to promote sustainable development and be a part of positive change for the environment.

Now a Team Toyota athlete, Tammara continues to train tirelessly in preparation for her biggest comeback yet at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

Every athlete competing at the Paralympic or Olympic Games takes a unique journey on their way to the top. While talent, great coaching, and years of hard work are elements almost all have in common, the elite athletes who represent our nation at the highest level often need to overcome seemingly impossible barriers to create opportunities for themselves. This is Damian Warner’s story.

As the Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion, Damian Warner has established himself as one of the most accomplished athletes in the world. With his exceptional athleticism and versatility, as well as unwavering determination, Damian has risen to the top of his sport, setting records, and capturing the hearts of fans across Canada and beyond.

Born in London, Ontario, Damian developed a love for basketball at a young age. With the former Toronto Raptor Vince Carter as his idol, he had his hopes set on the NBA … or becoming an Olympic runner. His athletic abilities became evident early on, and he excelled in multiple sports, including basketball… and track and field. Despite his athletic talents, success started late in high school for Damian, leaving him with limited options.

“I remember sitting on the track after my final high school meet, and just crying because I thought my role in sports was over. No one in my family had attended university or played professional sports before, so I had no idea what was next for me. But I was lucky to have high school coaches who saw my potential and pushed me in the right direction.”

Damian was then introduced to decathlon by his high school coach, who also helped come up with an academic plan that would get him into college and allow him to begin training right away.

“I didn’t have many options, but I trusted my coaches, and decathlon ended up becoming the best thing that’s happened to me. It’s where I’ve met the most important people in my life, including meeting my partner Jennifer, and welcoming our son Theo.”

When it comes to influential figures in his life, Damian attributes his success to a team of people — with the number one spot going to his mother. He also recalls a moment in high school where an anonymous person dropped off a box of track gear after seeing him compete and realizing his incredible potential, but also noticing he didn’t have the right attire or footwear. It was a collection of moments like those that helped shape the path that ultimately led to his success.

Growing up in a low income single-parent household, Damian witnessed and experienced the burden parents can feel while trying to provide - and how easily a child can slip through the cracks if the right resources aren’t in place.

“If it wasn’t for the teachers and coaches who saw something in me, my story could be very different today. Supporting initiatives that promote and support accessible sports and recreation for kids coming from low-income households is important to me. I know firsthand it could be part of a moment that changes the trajectory of someone’s life.”

So, what advice would Damian give to his younger self - or his son when he gets older?

“You can do anything you set your mind to. That’s the advice my mom gave me as a child growing up, and that instilled my ability to quiet the self-doubt when it becomes loud, and to stay goal-oriented and focused. It’s helped make what could seem impossible, possible.”

Now a Team Toyota athlete, Damian is looking ahead to the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and training rigorously to represent Canada at the highest level again.

Every athlete competing at the Paralympic or Olympic Games takes a unique journey on their way to the top. While talent, great coaching, and years of hard work are elements almost all have in common, the elite athletes who represent our nation at the highest level often need to overcome seemingly impossible barriers to create opportunities for themselves. This is Keely Shaw’s story.

Canadian Para cyclist Keely Shaw’s journey to earning Canada’s first medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games is a story of determination, overcoming adversities, and achieving remarkable things.

Growing up in the rural town of Midale, Saskatchewan, with a population of only 500, sport and nature were an important part of Keely’s upbringing. Being surrounded by vast farmland and watching her older brothers play hockey, there were two things Keely wanted to be when she grew up: a veterinarian and an Olympic ice hockey player.

“I remember telling my mom at 10 years old that I wanted to go to the Olympics and play hockey. Elite sport was my goal and became my entire focus. Hockey was my first love.”

Keely's parents supported her passion, leading them to shuttle her back and forth to a larger town where she could play competitively.

But at age 15, her life changed drastically.

Keely suffered a horse-riding accident, causing a brain injury that placed her in a coma and on life support. When she woke up from her coma, she had lost all function on the left side of her body. Through months of arduous therapy, she managed to regain 70% of her function. But she realized that her dream of playing hockey was no longer possible due to her changed abilities.

“As a 15-year-old, I wasn’t handling life well mentally, and was diagnosed with an eating disorder just over a year after I was discharged from rehabilitation. It gave me a sense of control over my life.”

Facing an identity crisis and struggling with her mental health, Keely overcame these challenges with the support of her parents and a community of 500 that rallied behind her. She graduated high school as valedictorian and pursued a degree in Kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan.

During her university studies, Keely was introduced to Para sports and discovered Para cycling. She started self-training on her road bike and participated in her first road race which ignited her love for the sport.

“After my first race, I fell completely in love with the sport. I felt powerful and coordinated. I loved the camaraderie and the sense of home I felt. I was so welcomed. Cycling filled a hole in my heart that had been there since I realized I couldn’t play hockey at the same level anymore.”

Keely's cycling career took off from there. After cold e-mailing contacts from the Canadian Paralympic Committee, she was invited to train for nationals. She qualified for the Para cycling track World Championships in Rio in 2018 and represented Canada at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games where she won a bronze medal.

“It’s been a surreal whirlwind over the past few years, and I feel fortunate. It’s wild that I always wanted to compete in the Winter Olympics, but life had me switch gears, and I competed at the summer Paralympics instead.”

Keely is accomplished both on the track and off. Pursuing her PhD in Kinesiology, her research focuses on helping people living with similar disabilities learn how to optimally manage their conditions. She uses her platform to inspire others (especially kids) and increase the awareness, visibility and access to adaptive sport – both at an elite level and recreationally.

“People living with disabilities deserve access to recreation like everyone else. If we only get a five percent increase in elite Para sport athletes, but a 20 percent increase in people just engaging in physical activity, I’d call that a win.”

And what advice would Keely give to her younger self?

“Keep your chin up because it gets so much better. If you’re willing look through a window when a door is closed, sometimes you can find something pretty incredible on the other side. Just keep going - even when it’s hard.”

Now a Team Toyota athlete, Keely is looking ahead at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games . Training and competing while she also prepares to defend her thesis. All in a day’s work for the athlete who’s seemingly impossible story … became possible.

Every athlete competing at the Paralympic or Olympic Games takes a unique journey on their way to the top. While talent, great coaching, and years of hard work are elements almost all have in common, the elite athletes who represent our nation at the highest level often need to overcome seemingly impossible barriers to create opportunities for themselves. This is Philip Kim’s story.

Philip Kim, aka ‘Phil Wizard’, is one of the most creatively original breakers in the Breaking scene.

Igniting a remarkable athletic ability young, and following his love for breaking, Phil’s success was one filled with perseverance, overcoming doubt, and navigating family expectations – as he went off the beaten path.

With the sport of breaking making its debut at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, Phil was suddenly catapulted from a celebrity in his niche community to one of Canada’s top Olympic prospects. Now a trailblazer, Phil’s journey is a testament to the power of betting on yourself.

Born and raised in Vancouver, Phil was 12 years old when he first came across a breaking crew performing at a local art gallery. Phil was instantly captivated and blown away by their skill.

The crew made an impression on him and, when it was time to take a required dance class at school, Phil expressed his interest in learning breaking. The instructor of that class was, coincidently, part of the same breaking crew he had watched perform at the art gallery.

“When I first saw breaking, I remember thinking I could do it, and I could be really good at it. The dance instructor from that class referred to me their studio and, until this day, I still train and work with them.”

Phil was always a creative kid and enjoyed artistic expression, getting lost in the imaginary world and characters of anime.

“To me, breaking felt like one big story told through moves. When you perform, you take on a stage name, a persona, and a battle … and then you go back to just being a regular person.”

In the latter half of high school, Phil started taking his breaking more seriously and knew it was what he wanted to do. Feeling disconnected from school, he deepened his connections with the breaking community.

But, during his final year of high school, Phil was at a crossroads. Coming from a Korean immigrant family, there was immense pressure to pursue a secure and stable career path through education. To please his parents, Phil enrolled in university.

He only lasted one semester.

“My parents were very apprehensive about me choosing breaking as a career path. It was unconventional and they wanted stability for me. But I knew after my first semester of university that I needed to stay true to myself - to take a chance and pursue breaking full time.”

Taking a calculated risk, Phil asked his parents to give him three years to pursue his dream. Although he believed in his ability, having won countless local competitions, Phil needed to prove his own ability to himself. He funded his way to one of the world’s most prestigious breaking competitions in Los Angeles … and won.

“Although I was at the top of my game, I was still experiencing quite a bit of imposter syndrome, and I had doubts as to whether breaking would be a sustainable life for me. It was a grind, and, in the back of my head, I also had the same concerns as my parents.”

Phil’s parents remained supportive and enabled him to continue pursue his passion. Even with their apprehension, they believed in his ability to succeed at anything he loved and stood by him. Over those years, Phil developed the mental resilience required to better overcome the self-doubt and insecurities he felt about his chosen path.

Then, the announcement that breaking would become an Olympic sport opened a whole other world of possibilities.

“The Olympics was never on my radar - or even a possibility - but now the possibilities seem endless. It’s exciting to see how the status of breaking will be elevated by being on this global stage and finally receiving the appreciation it deserves. I hope that I can do for breaking what Tony Hawke did for skateboarding.”

And what advice would Phil give to his younger self?

"Don't doubt yourself. You're going to pursue your passion anyway because you know it's what you love to do. Why engage in a mental war with yourself? If it doesn't work out, you can always explore other paths. Give it your all."

Through the Olympic Games, it’s Phil’s mission to inspire a new generation of breakers - one that that won’t face the same apprehensions from their parents.

Now a Team Toyota athlete, Phil is looking ahead toward Paris 2024, training, staying creative, and championing the breaking community every step of the way. All while making history at the same time.

Every athlete competing at the Paralympic or Olympic Games takes a unique journey on their way to the top. While talent, great coaching, and years of hard work are elements almost all have in common, the elite athletes who represent our nation at the highest level often need to overcome seemingly impossible barriers to create opportunities for themselves. This is Tammara Thibeault’s story.

World boxing champion and Olympian, Tammara Thibeault, wasn’t always sure where she fit in as a child. Finding her sense of belonging through sport, Tammara is determined to change the face of women’s boxing – fighting stereotypes and misconceptions on her way to the top.

Born in Saint-Georges, Quebec, Tammara grew up in a close-knit family. Her father was a Canadian Football League player and eventually moved their family to Regina, Saskatchewan where they settled for a decade. Although athleticism was in her genes, Tammara was the most unlikely athlete in her family. Drawn to books and libraries, she didn’t instantly take to sports the way her siblings did.

But, at the age of nine, Tammara stepped into the Regina boxing club, the oldest club in the area, and embarked on her boxing journey. Inspired by her father, who took up boxing during the off-season to stay in shape, Tammara witnessed the empowering nature of the sport when she saw him compete.

“Watching my dad compete in the ring looked so powerful. I wanted to be like my dad. When I finally got my chance to try, it just felt like I was at home. I was 12 when women’s boxing was introduced to the Olympic Games and, from that moment on, I knew I wanted to be an Olympic champion.”

Growing up in smaller towns, belonging was a feeling she was often missing. As a biracial child born to a Haitian-Canadian mother and French-Canadian father, Tammara looked different from her peers and was often bullied and made to feel like an outsider at school. But, fueled by her love for education and passion for boxing, Tammara emerged stronger and more resilient.

“I had my share of challenges growing up as a kid. Boxing gave me such a strong sense of self and became a safe space where I could channel all my energy. Suddenly, being an athlete wasn’t something I was becoming, it was something I just was.”

Throughout her journey, Tammara has been supported by her coaches, family and a close circle of friends. Their unwavering belief in her abilities has been instrumental in her rise to the elite level of the sport.

“The transition from youth to senior level boxing is where you see a lot of drop-off in the sport. It’s not an easy path, but I was fortunate to see a lot of women doing it, and my love for the sport only grew as I began competing at a higher level.”

With her boxing career quickly progressing, representing Canada at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 was a major milestone for Tammara. But it wasn’t the result she wanted.

“In Tokyo, I was one round away from an Olympic medal. And that was one of the hardest moments for me. I remember leaving the ring and thinking ‘that will never happen again’. That moment taught me to trust in myself and trust in my ability.”

That loss drove Tammara to continue improving her skill and athletic ability, which resulted in her winning several competitions and championships. She began to thrive off of uncertainty and those who doubted her ability fuelled her fire.

But what advice would Tammara give her younger self?

“Enjoy the journey because it goes by so fast. When you’re goal-oriented, you might forget to pause and celebrate the wins along the way. Take it all in and appreciate it before it’s over.”

Motivated by her relentless pursuit of personal growth and her desire to elevate women's boxing, Tammara strives to shatter stereotypes and change perceptions of the sport.

“Boxing is more like chess. Yes, it takes power, but it also takes a lot of intelligence, strategy and quick thinking. Every time I step into the ring, I try to defy misconceptions about women’s sport through my honed skills.”

Outside of the ring, Tammara has always been deeply concerned about climate change. Pursuing an Urban Planning degree, she hopes to promote sustainable development and be a part of positive change for the environment.

Now a Team Toyota athlete, Tammara continues to train tirelessly in preparation for her biggest comeback yet at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

Every athlete competing at the Paralympic or Olympic Games takes a unique journey on their way to the top. While talent, great coaching, and years of hard work are elements almost all have in common, the elite athletes who represent our nation at the highest level often need to overcome seemingly impossible barriers to create opportunities for themselves. This is Cindy Ouellet’s story.

Wheelchair basketball veteran, Cindy Ouellet, is no stranger to representing Canada on the global stage. Having already competed at five Paralympic Games and four Parapan Am Games, she is one of Canada’s biggest wheelchair basketball stars. A Team Toyota athlete since 2019, Cindy’s story is one of overcoming the odds and excelling.

Born in Riviere-du-Loup, Quebec, Cindy was always driven by two things: education and sports. From a young age, she participated in multiple sports, showcasing her athletic talent. At the age of 10, while skiing and witnessing Quebec alpine skiers compete in the Olympics, Cindy's dream of competing in the Games began to take shape.

But at age 12, a sports injury led to a devastating discovery. Cindy was diagnosed with bone cancer and told she had a less than five percent survival rate.

Against all odds, Cindy beat cancer after 28 rounds of chemotherapy. But it came with a heavy cost: Cindy lost the use of her left leg. After spending two years in the hospital, Cindy returned to high school only to face a different set of challenges, including bullying and ridicule.

“I was excited to go back to school, but it ended up being a really rough period for me. I was bullied a lot. People were taking my crutches and would laugh at me for being skinny and not having any hair. The impact stayed with me throughout my life.”

Witnessing the loss of friends who had succumbed to the same cancer, being subjected to cruel bullying, and experiencing a drastic change in her physical abilities also took a tremendous toll on her mental health. But, with the unwavering support of her parents, who were her rock, Cindy found a glimmer of hope when she met two Paralympians.

“Before I was introduced to two amazing Paralympians, I hadn’t had any exposure to Para sport. I hadn’t even seen or known anyone with a disability. Suddenly, I saw all that was possible through them. Both in athleticism and in their post-sport careers. From that point on, sports became the escape I It needed.”

At 15, Cindy was introduced to wheelchair basketball and fell in love. She quickly progressed. After representing Canada at her first Parapan Am Games in Rio at age 18, she received an athletic scholarship from the University of Alabama, and later became one of the few Paralympians to participate in both the winter and summer Paralympics.

Now a seasoned athlete, Cindy’s long list of accomplishments stretches well beyond the basketball court. A lifelong learner, Cindy recently completed her doctorate in Biomedical Engineering and is now pursuing her second doctorate with the goal of researching prothesis for amputees. Out of season, she also devotes a few hours each week to her parents' business, Evo Concept, which designs and manufactures adapted sports equipment.

Cindy’s also a passionate advocate for anti-bullying initiatives, mental health, diversity and inclusion, and Para sport.

“Being hurt by other kids your age was a very hard experience. But looking back at it as an adult, I realize that sometimes kids just don’t know any better. Which is why I work with Sport’Aide to combat bullying. We created a comic book with my story that can be a resource for parents, kids, and teachers. Understanding the impact, how to intervene and when to ask for help can be life changing.”

And what advice would Cindy give to her younger self?

“Carpe diem has been my life motto. So, I would tell my younger self: ‘Don’t wait to do anything. Just do it and seize the day.’”

As a Team Toyota athlete, Cindy is now focused on the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, training and preparing, all while remaining a fierce champion of Para sport and helping others see beyond disabilities.

Every athlete competing at the Paralympic or Olympic Games takes a unique journey on their way to the top. While talent, great coaching, and years of hard work are elements almost all have in common, the elite athletes who represent our nation at the highest level often need to overcome seemingly impossible barriers to create opportunities for themselves. This is Damian Warner’s story.

As the Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion, Damian Warner has established himself as one of the most accomplished athletes in the world. With his exceptional athleticism and versatility, as well as unwavering determination, Damian has risen to the top of his sport, setting records, and capturing the hearts of fans across Canada and beyond.

Born in London, Ontario, Damian developed a love for basketball at a young age. With the former Toronto Raptor Vince Carter as his idol, he had his hopes set on the NBA … or becoming an Olympic runner. His athletic abilities became evident early on, and he excelled in multiple sports, including basketball… and track and field. Despite his athletic talents, success started late in high school for Damian, leaving him with limited options.

“I remember sitting on the track after my final high school meet, and just crying because I thought my role in sports was over. No one in my family had attended university or played professional sports before, so I had no idea what was next for me. But I was lucky to have high school coaches who saw my potential and pushed me in the right direction.”

Damian was then introduced to decathlon by his high school coach, who also helped come up with an academic plan that would get him into college and allow him to begin training right away.

“I didn’t have many options, but I trusted my coaches, and decathlon ended up becoming the best thing that’s happened to me. It’s where I’ve met the most important people in my life, including meeting my partner Jennifer, and welcoming our son Theo.”

When it comes to influential figures in his life, Damian attributes his success to a team of people — with the number one spot going to his mother. He also recalls a moment in high school where an anonymous person dropped off a box of track gear after seeing him compete and realizing his incredible potential, but also noticing he didn’t have the right attire or footwear. It was a collection of moments like those that helped shape the path that ultimately led to his success.

Growing up in a low income single-parent household, Damian witnessed and experienced the burden parents can feel while trying to provide - and how easily a child can slip through the cracks if the right resources aren’t in place.

“If it wasn’t for the teachers and coaches who saw something in me, my story could be very different today. Supporting initiatives that promote and support accessible sports and recreation for kids coming from low-income households is important to me. I know firsthand it could be part of a moment that changes the trajectory of someone’s life.”

So, what advice would Damian give to his younger self - or his son when he gets older?

“You can do anything you set your mind to. That’s the advice my mom gave me as a child growing up, and that instilled my ability to quiet the self-doubt when it becomes loud, and to stay goal-oriented and focused. It’s helped make what could seem impossible, possible.”

Now a Team Toyota athlete, Damian is looking ahead to the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and training rigorously to represent Canada at the highest level again.