Name: Jacqueline Simoneau 
Nickname: Jackie
CAN Fund #150Women Recipient
Hometown: Saint-Laurent, QC
Sport: Artistic Swimming
Event: Duet, Team
Best Result: 4x Gold medalist at the Pan Am Games (2015, 2019), 7th at 2016 Olympics
On The National Team Since (Year): 2012/13
How many hours do you workout/train/compete on average each day and how many days per week?
10hrs a day, 6 days a week
How does being a CAN Fund recipient make a difference for you?
CAN Fund makes a tremendous difference in my training and overall well-being. The physical and financial stress leading up to the Olympic Games has an impact on an athletes overall performance and CAN Fund helps alleviate some of that stress so that we can perform at our best. Leading up to Tokyo, training ramps up and therefore taking care of your body becomes your number one priority so that you can you can represent your country to the best of your ability. Taking care of your body comes at a cost. There is physio, chiropractic and massage appointments, but all this taking care of your body makes a difference between just missing the podium and a podium performance.
What is the biggest hurdle you have overcome to get to where you are today?
Over the past 2 years my national sport organization has gone through a lot of changes that directly impact the athletes. We moved from a full time centralized Olympic quad to a part time decentralized program. This means that training costs are no longer covered during this decentralized period. I found myself struggling to be able to balance what I need as an athlete to be able to prepare for my second Olympic Games and doing that within a very tight budget.
Do you have any pre-competition superstitions or routines?
I always eat a little piece of chocolate before I go out and compete in an event.
Who is your hero and why?
Kyle Shewfelt because not only is he a phenomenal athlete but he is also an amazing well-rounded person who gives back to the community.
Instagram:@jacqueline_simoneau
Twitter: @jackie_simoneau
