Name: Kimberley Gaucher
CAN Fund Recipient Since: 2014
Sport: Women’s Basketball
Best Result:
5th at 2014 World Championships
2015 Pan Am Games Gold Medalists
2012 Olympian
Hometown: Mission, BC
Nickname: Kim
Horoscope Sign: Taurus
On The National Team Since: 2001
How does being a CAN Fund Recipient make a difference for you?
As an older athlete, it is the little things that make a big difference and CAN Fund has allowed me to fine tune my nutrition and recovery. It can be small things such as buying a new pair of shoes, orthotics or gym memberships to bigger things like an increase in physio/doctor appointments and a bigger weekly grocery bill. Rio 2016 will most likely be my final Olympic Games and I am so grateful for CAN Fund because I go to sleep every night knowing that I am doing all that I can to help my team get to Rio and make some noise!
When was the moment you knew you wanted to represent Canada?
In grade 9, I went to watch the senior national basketball team practice and play in exhibition games. I knew that was where I wanted to be and what I wanted to be doing.
How did you get involved in your sport?
I started playing basketball when I was in grade 2. I followed my big sister Michelle to her Friday night basketball sessions. I fell in love with the game and I fondly remember long sessions in the backyard with my sister and dad.
What is your proudest moment?
Qualifying for the 2012 Olympics on Canada Day! It was a long road to get there (12 years) which made the victory that much sweeter.
What does sport mean to you?
I have been extremely lucky over the years to have my world open up to an incredible number of experiences but all the travel and joy pale in comparison to what sports did for me as a child. Sports were my outlet. As a shy kid being on a field of play opened my personality up. Sports teach you so many life skills how to work as a team, leadership, personal responsibility and work ethic. Without sports in my life I don’t know what kind of person, choices or avenues my life would have taken me. Forever grateful for the life experience that I have gained through playing sports.
What is a healthy snack you eat before or after training sessions?
Before games I like to eat a banana. Post training session my favourite snack is a smoothie with cherry juice, kale, Greek yogurt and fruit.
Do you have a favourite recipe, what is it?
Ground turkey with tomato sauce over spaghetti squash topped with cheese.
What is in your refrigerator right now?
Peanut butter, milk, plain Greek yogurt, cherry juice, chicken, and lots of fruit and veggies.
What is the greatest advice a coach has ever given you?
If you aren’t in the gym working your competition is and when you meet they will beat you.
What advice would you give to young kids or teenagers about following their dreams?
Have fun! You have to love what you do because chasing your dreams can be hard and can take a lot of sacrifices. However, when you love what you do the sacrifices won’t seem as big and the work will be exciting.
What is your favourite thing about being on the road with your teammates?
TV show marathons, middle of the night jet lag conversations and just being able to hang out with some of my best friends.
What are you favourite places in the world you have visited?
Every city in France and London, but my favorite place in the world is home Mission, BC. We don’t get a lot of time at home!
If you could sing one song on Canadian Idol what would it be?
Call Me Maybe. I went to high school with Carly.
What are your hobbies?
Reading, hiking and biking. I love being outside, especially since I spend so much time training indoors.
What is your favourite quote?
High School coach Bruce Langford turned me onto this poem by W.A Clennan
The contest lasts for moments,
Though the trainings taken years,
It wasn’t the winning alone that was,
Worth the work and the tears.
The applause will be forgotten
The prize will be misplaced,
But the long hard hours of practice,
Will never be a waste.
For in trying to win you build a skill,
You learn that winning depends on will.
You never grow by how much you win,
You only grow by how much you put in.
So any new challenge you’ve just begun,
Put forth your best effort and you’ve already won
What is your favourite movie?
Hoosiers
What is your favourite sports team?
Vancouver Canucks and Utah Utes
What is your favourite tv series?
The Office, New Girl and Mindy Project
What is your favourite song or band/musician?
Crazy in Love by Beyonce
Twitter: @8kimsmith
Instagram: kgaucher
