Name: Luke Ramsay
CAN Fund Recipient Since: 2015
Sport: Sailing – Nacra 17
Best Result:
2012 Olympian
Hometown: Vancouver, BC
Nickname: Chef Ramsay
On The National Team Since: 2005
How does being a CAN Fund Recipient make a difference for you?
CAN Fund allowed my sailing partner and I (Nikola Girke) to hire a coach to push us to the top level. Everyone in the top 30 in the world has their own coach, and the majority of coaches are hired by their federations. Until 6 months ago we didn’t have a coach. Since then we have made huge strides forward and CAN Fund has been instrumental in this.
Think of someone who has impacted your life. Share 3 words on who they are to you:
My Parents – Smart, Supportive, Fun
They have taught me so much about hard work and how to have proper balance. They support me every step of the way and are my biggest fans.
What is the biggest hurdle you have overcome to get to where you are today?
Being a sailor from Canada is not easy, we have to spend between 10 and 11 months a year on the road, away from our families, training and competing at different venues around the world. It is never the hard work I shy away from but it is tough to put your whole life on hold while you chase your dreams and start to lose touch with friends and family from home. I miss my sister and seeing her new born daughter, Riley. That is tough.
How did you get involved in your sport?
I fell in love with the sport in summer camp, but it wasn’t until my sister started racing that I wanted to give it a try as well. It was a slow start but my love for the sport kept me going and eventually I got the hang of it.
Who is your hero and why?
Terry Fox. He is the strongest and most admirable athlete I can imagine. He had guts.
What are your words to live by or your motto?
If you want to achieve greatness, stop asking for permission.
Biggest lesson you have learned to get to where you are today?
You can always work harder. Treat every day like it is the most important day of your Olympic campaign and make it matter or you will never make it.
What are you favourite places in the world you have visited?
St Barths, Barcelona, Melbourne and Abu Dhabi
What three items do you take with you on every road trip?
Travel Espresso Press, Roots Wool Socks and my Wetsuit
What are your hobbies?
Squash, Skiing, Wakeboarding, Drawing, Photography and Architecture
What is your favourite quote?
“If you’re going through hell, keep going” – Churchill
What is your favourite book?
1984 by George Orwell
What is your favourite song to work out to?
Ten Thousand Hours by Ryan Macklamore
What is a healthy snack you eat before or after training sessions?
Simply Protein Chipt (BBQ Flavor)
Do you have a favourite recipe, what is it?
Protein Powder Pancakes!
Twitter: @sailluke
Website: www.nikolaandluke.com
Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/GirkeRamsay
Instagram: @dailysailor
