OLYMPICS & PARALYMPICS
The Games
The Games are when Toyota will reveal to the world a vision of the future, with innovations that pave the way to a new era of mobility. But our commitment doesn’t end there. Toyota’s “Start Your Impossible” campaign embodies a long-term goal to create a more inclusive and sustainable world – where everyone can challenge their own impossible.
Team Toyota
Meet Our Athletes
We’re proud to support 15 Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Each of them share our vision of building a better world through the power of movement. They are an inspiration for all of us to challenge our own impossible. Read their stories. Then follow their journey.
STEFAN DANIEL
PARATRIATHLON
For 2020, he has his sights set on Paralympic Gold. That is just the start of his Olympic ambitions.
Calgary, Alberta - Born with bilateral radial club hands, Stefan’s right arm is significantly shorter than his left. But that hasn’t stopped him from becoming one of the best triathletes in the world. At just 16, Daniel took Bronze at his first paratriathlon world championship. He followed that with a Silver in 2014, Gold in 2015, and at the age of only nineteen took home silver at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio. And he continues to get better.
TORY NYHAUG
BMX CYCLING
Tory is the first Canadian male BMX rider to advance to an Olympic final.
Coquitlam, British Columbia - Overcoming many injuries, Tory ranks amongst his sports elite. This two-time Olympian – including a finalist in 2016 – is a Silver medalist at the World Championships and Gold medalist at the Pan Am Games. Now, he has sights on Olympic gold. In addition to injuries, Tory has also struggled with mental health at times. Because of these experiences, Tory is a passionate advocate for proper injury recovery and devotes time to helping people overcome mental health struggles.
AURÉLIE RIVARD
PARA SWIMMING
Aurélie has been winning medals and setting records since she turned 16.
St. Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec - Born with an underdeveloped left hand, Aurélie has never let her impairment limit her potential. Panic attacks as a child followed by severe bullying in her early years led to struggles with self-confidence, devastating anxiety and depression. While she continues to fight these demons, her amazing success in the pool combined with the support of her family, led by an amazing bond with her twin sister, gives her the strength and confidence of a champion. As one of the world’s leading Paralympic athletes, she continues to shatter world records in preparation for the Tokyo games while sharing her story with enthusiasm and confidence as a spokesperson for the Paralympic Movement and mental health.
BENOIT HUOT
PARA SWIMMING
Benoit is one of the most decorated Canadian Paralympic athletes of all time.
Longueuil, Québec - Born with a clubfoot, and a passion for sport, Benoit found his calling in the pool. Throughout his career, his energy and enthusiasm has made him an inspiration for those around him. Now retired from competition, Benoit is an ambassador for Paralympic sport. He mentors young athletes through his work for a number of charities. And, through his own foundation he raises funds and inspires children with disabilities to live their Paralympic dream.
CINDY OUELLET
WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL & PARA NORDIC SKIING
One of the few athletes in the world to compete at both Summer and Winter Paralympic Games
Rivière-du-Loup, Québec - Cindy’s journey is one of determination and desire to enhance mobility for others. Diagnosed with bone cancer at 12, Cindy was given a 5 percent chance of survival. She beat the odds. She showed her determination again in high school, turning the pain of bullying into a positive life motto “Carpe Diem” (Seize the Day). Throughout her career she’s been a motivational force, inspiring and educating people on the power of sport.
CODY CALDWELL
WHEELCHAIR RUGBY
Regarded as Canada’s top Wheelchair Rugby player, Cody’s goal is a podium finish in 2020.
Peterborough, Ontario - Cody’s story defines the power of sport to change lives and fulfill potential. A diving accident at the age of 20 left Cody a quadriplegic, and feeling, in his own words, “fragile, like a thin piece of glass”. A chance encounter with the sport of Wheelchair Rugby changed everything. In 2013 he became a member of the Paralympic team and never looked back.
ELLIE BLACK
ARTISTIC GYMNASTIC
An Olympian, a world champion, Ellie has been called the greatest gymnast in Canadian history.
Halifax, Nova Scotia - At 23, Ellie Black is at the top of her game, in a sport traditionally dominated by gymnasts in their teens. As she says herself, “It’s just amazing what you can accomplish if you set your mind to it — and what the human body is capable of.” The two-time Olympian is aiming for more glory at the 2020 Games. When she’s not training, Ellie is working on behalf of organizations like Fast and Female, encouraging young women to use the power of sport to realize their full potential.
ERICA WIEBE
WRESTLING
The reigning Olympic champion in women's 75kg freestyle wrestling, Erica is ready to defend her gold.
Stittsville, Ontario - Erica knows what it is like to be at the top, and at the bottom. In her first year of wrestling at University, she did not score a single point in practice. Her drive to be the best seemed a lost dream. But her innate sense of resilience carried her through. In 2016, she captured Gold in Rio. Erica is passionate about the ability of sport to drive social change. And plays her part, working to break down gender barriers in sports, and encourage equal opportunities for all.
MELISSA BISHOP
ATHLETICS
Melissa is the Canadian record holder in the notoriously demanding 800 metres.
Eganville, Ontario - Melissa Bishop has battled injury time and again, only to return stronger than ever. Leading up to 2020, she faces her biggest hurdle yet – getting back to the best running shape of her life after recently giving birth to her daughter. Few female athletes have successfully come back from pregnancy to return to their pre-motherhood success. Melissa is looking to change all of that. “I want to knock the socks off people,” she says. Along the way, she hopes her comeback story will inspire other moms and moms-to-be.
NIK GONCIN
WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL
Nik is a big reason the Canadian Paralympic Wheelchair Basketball has gold in its sights for 2020.
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Nik’s family moved to Canada as refugees from a civil war. As if learning a new language and adapting to a new culture were not challenge enough, Nik lost a leg to bone cancer in Grade 11. “Going from a very athletic young man, to severely skinny, disabled cancer patient was difficult,” he says. “The most influential part of my rehabilitation was sport.” In particular, wheelchair basketball. He made the national team in 2009, and has been an all-star ever since.
STEFAN DANIEL
PARATRIATHLON
For 2020, he has his sights set on Paralympic Gold. That is just the start of his Olympic ambitions.
Calgary, Alberta - Born with bilateral radial club hands, Stefan’s right arm is significantly shorter than his left. But that hasn’t stopped him from becoming one of the best triathletes in the world. At just 16, Daniel took Bronze at his first paratriathlon world championship. He followed that with a Silver in 2014, Gold in 2015, and at the age of only nineteen took home silver at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio. And he continues to get better.
TORY NYHAUG
BMX CYCLING
Tory is the first Canadian male BMX rider to advance to an Olympic final.
Coquitlam, British Columbia - Overcoming many injuries, Tory ranks amongst his sports elite. This two-time Olympian – including a finalist in 2016 – is a Silver medalist at the World Championships and Gold medalist at the Pan Am Games. Now, he has sights on Olympic gold. In addition to injuries, Tory has also struggled with mental health at times. Because of these experiences, Tory is a passionate advocate for proper injury recovery and devotes time to helping people overcome mental health struggles.
AURÉLIE RIVARD
PARA SWIMMING
Aurélie has been winning medals and setting records since she turned 16.
St. Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec - Born with an underdeveloped left hand, Aurélie has never let her impairment limit her potential. Panic attacks as a child followed by severe bullying in her early years led to struggles with self-confidence, devastating anxiety and depression. While she continues to fight these demons, her amazing success in the pool combined with the support of her family, led by an amazing bond with her twin sister, gives her the strength and confidence of a champion. As one of the world’s leading Paralympic athletes, she continues to shatter world records in preparation for the Tokyo games while sharing her story with enthusiasm and confidence as a spokesperson for the Paralympic Movement and mental health.
BENOIT HUOT
PARA SWIMMING
Benoit is one of the most decorated Canadian Paralympic athletes of all time.
Longueuil, Québec - Born with a clubfoot, and a passion for sport, Benoit found his calling in the pool. Throughout his career, his energy and enthusiasm has made him an inspiration for those around him. Now retired from competition, Benoit is an ambassador for Paralympic sport. He mentors young athletes through his work for a number of charities. And, through his own foundation he raises funds and inspires children with disabilities to live their Paralympic dream.
MARK MCMORRIS
SNOWBOARD (BIG AIR & SLOPESTYLE)
Among the most dominant snowboarders of the last decade, Mark is a two-time Olympic medalist.
Regina, Saskatchewan - While Saskatchewan is not known for its snowboarding prodigies, Mark has emerged from the prairie flatlands to cement his place as one of the best snowboarders of all time. After suffering a horrific crash in 2017, Mark not only recovered in time to qualify for the Olympic Winter Games Pyeongchang 2018, but took home Bronze. At only 26 years of age, Mark has already set the all-time medal count at the X Games (20), and continues to prepare to capture Gold at the 2022 Winter Games.
CYNTHIA APPIAH
BOBSLEIGH (MONOBOB)
A multi-time World Cup medal winner and Alternate on the Pyeongchang 2018 Bobsled Team, Cynthia has her sights set on the podium for the 2022 Winter Games.
Toronto, Ontario - A competitive athlete throughout university, Cynthia attended her first Bobsled camp in 2011. Since then, she has demonstrated her determination to succeed with multiple World Cup podium finishes. Recognized in her sport as the ultimate team player, Cynthia is also an advocate for women in sport, and a powerful role model for young girls across Canada.
BRIAN MCKEEVER
PARA NORDIC SKIING
The most decorated Canadian Winter Paralympian of all time, Brian made history in 2010 when he was named to both the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic teams.
Canmore, Alberta - At age 19, Brian was diagnosed with Stargardt Disease, which results in central vision loss. Living up to his motto that “obstacles only become barriers if you let them”, Brian is currently ranked the Number 1 Para Nordic Skier in the world. He is also an active advocate for Paralympic sport and works diligently to ensure future athletes have the same opportunities he has had.
BILLY BRIDGES
PARA ICE HOCKEY
The youngest player to ever be selected to the National team, Billy is considered one of the best para ice hockey players of all time.
Summerside, PEI - Born with Spina Bifida, Billy has overcome every challenge to become one of the most successful Canadian athletes of all time. His accomplishments include a paralympic gold medal. The consummate teammate, Billy is both a leader and mentor. When not training, he is a proud family man, and runs a hockey camp with his wife, former Olympian Sami Jo Small, helping build confidence in young girls and women.
BRIGETTE LACQUETTE
ICE HOCKEY
Brigette is the first First Nations hockey player to be named to Canada’s National Women’s Team.
Mallard, Manitoba / Cote First Nation, Saskatchewan - Determination. Resilience. These are central to Brigette’s character and accomplishments. Named to the national team at just 18, she made her Olympic debut in 2018, helping Canada to win Silver. On her journey, she has faced bullying and racism, relying on her strength of character to focus on the positive. Off the ice, she works with Classroom Champions and is a committed role model for indigenous youth as they reach for their impossible.
MARK MCMORRIS
SNOWBOARD (BIG AIR & SLOPESTYLE)
Among the most dominant snowboarders of the last decade, Mark is a two-time Olympic medalist.
Regina, Saskatchewan - While Saskatchewan is not known for its snowboarding prodigies, Mark has emerged from the prairie flatlands to cement his place as one of the best snowboarders of all time. After suffering a horrific crash in 2017, Mark not only recovered in time to qualify for the Olympic Winter Games Pyeongchang 2018, but took home Bronze. At only 26 years of age, Mark has already set the all-time medal count at the X Games (20), and continues to prepare to capture Gold at the 2022 Winter Games.
CYNTHIA APPIAH
BOBSLEIGH (MONOBOB)
A multi-time World Cup medal winner and Alternate on the Pyeongchang 2018 Bobsled Team, Cynthia has her sights set on the podium for the 2022 Winter Games.
Toronto, Ontario - A competitive athlete throughout university, Cynthia attended her first Bobsled camp in 2011. Since then, she has demonstrated her determination to succeed with multiple World Cup podium finishes. Recognized in her sport as the ultimate team player, Cynthia is also an advocate for women in sport, and a powerful role model for young girls across Canada.
BRIAN MCKEEVER
PARA NORDIC SKIING
The most decorated Canadian Winter Paralympian of all time, Brian made history in 2010 when he was named to both the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic teams.
Canmore, Alberta - At age 19, Brian was diagnosed with Stargardt Disease, which results in central vision loss. Living up to his motto that “obstacles only become barriers if you let them”, Brian is currently ranked the Number 1 Para Nordic Skier in the world. He is also an active advocate for Paralympic sport and works diligently to ensure future athletes have the same opportunities he has had.
BILLY BRIDGES
PARA ICE HOCKEY
The youngest player to ever be selected to the National team, Billy is considered one of the best para ice hockey players of all time.
Summerside, PEI - Born with Spina Bifida, Billy has overcome every challenge to become one of the most successful Canadian athletes of all time. His accomplishments include a paralympic gold medal. The consummate teammate, Billy is both a leader and mentor. When not training, he is a proud family man, and runs a hockey camp with his wife, former Olympian Sami Jo Small, helping build confidence in young girls and women.
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Sports Partnerships
National Sports Organizations
We are further bringing the spirit of our Paralympic and Olympic partnerships to life through our partnerships with Wheelchair Basketball Canada, Canada Basketball, Canada Soccer, Freestyle Canada, and Canada Snowboard, to encourage even more Canadians to defy limitations, overcome adversity, and reach for their very best.
Learn More About Our Sports Partnerships