Name: Meagan Duhamel
Sport: Figure Skating
Hometown: Lively, ON
Favourite Sports Memory: Winning my first National title with Eric Radford. We took the long and difficult road to the top of our sport and when we finished our long program at that National Championships all the hardships, disappointments and sacrifices become worth it.
How you got involved in your sport: My sister skated and I liked to follow her around. So I followed her into skating and the better she got, the more I wanted to progress. She competed at the 1999 Canadian National Championships and at that moment I knew that was what I wanted to do as well.
The moment you knew you wanted to represent Canada: I moved away from home when I was 14 years old to train with other top level figure skaters. Lots of the skaters at my new rink wore a red and black jacket that said “CANADA” on the back in big letters. I wanted to be just like them and travel the World and proudly wear this jacket.
Favourite Quote: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
CAN Fund Testimonial: CAN Fund has helped my preparation for the Olympic podium immensely. Thanks to Canadian Athletes Now Fund I was able to pay for my choreography for the upcoming Olympic year, as well as pay my ice bill. All athletes around Canada feel so grateful to Canadian Athletes Now Fund for their continued support in our athletic endeavors.
Best Result:
-2012&2013 Canadian National Pairs Champion (with Eric Radford)
-2013 WORLD BRONZE MEDALISTS!
Share one valuable tool that you use on a daily basis that helps you to be the best athlete you can be: One valuable tool I use is my nutritional knowledge. I studied holistic nutrition and I have a good understanding of what to put into my body in order to achieve optimal results in training and in competition.
Who is one person in your life that has impacted your career and what was it that they taught you: My parents have had the biggest impact on my career. They put their lives on hold so that I had the opportunity to achieve my dreams. They taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, dedication, sportsmanship and determination.
Have you read any articles or books or watched any videos or movies recently that really inspired you: I listened to John Herdman (coach of Canada’s Women’s Soccer team that won bronze in London 2012) speak a few weeks ago and he gave a very compelling speech. His passion for the sport of soccer is undeniable as he talked about his relentless pursuit of excellence through the sport of soccer. He shared insight into how he brought Canada’s Women’s Soccer team from the bottom right to the top of the Olympic Games. He shared knowledge about sport as well as knowledge about understanding people and athletes. Very inspirational, the best speech I have ever heard.
Fun Facts: I am a vegan and a certified holistic nutritionist. Eric and I play on a dodgeball team in the winter and in the summer I play on a baseball team with my boyfriend. I adopted a dog from the SPCA in 2009 and I also have a kitten at home as well. One day I want to get my personal training certification and help athletes in their pursuit of excellence.
