Name: Karine Thomas
CAN Fund Recipient Since: 2014
Sport: Synchronize Swimming
Best Result:
2012 Olympian
2x 2015 Pan Am Games Gold Medalist
2011 and 2009 World Championship Bronze Medalist
Hometown: Gatineau, QC
How does being a CAN Fund Recipient make a difference for you?
CAN Fund has changed my life. Knowing that I have the support of Canadians from across the country inspires me to be better on a daily basis. I have used this support to attend training camps, purchase equipment, massage and physiotherapy, as well as to improve my daily nutrition.
Share 3 words to describe what CAN Fund is to you:
Life-changing, Supportive, Inspiring
Think of someone who has impacted your life. Share 3 words on they are to you:
My long-time boyfriend Brian Hill. Brian is a retired Paralympian and himself a past CAN Fund Recipient – Understanding, Confident, Experienced
Brian has been a constant supporter of my success and someone I can always turn to for advice. His encouragement keeps me going when times are tough and makes me happy when times are good.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Focus only on what can be controlled.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned to get to where are today?
Winning is easy. True success comes from learning from your mistakes and working to improve upon yourself for the future.
What is next? What are your current goals?
In the short term, I am focussed on qualifying for both the duet and team events at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. I hope to improve upon my fourth place finishes from the London Olympics and to finish on the podium.
Going forward, I would love to remain involved in the sport, share my knowledge and understanding with the upcoming generation of talented swimmers and help facilitate Canada’s future successes in any way that I can.