Name: Paula Findlay
CAN Fund Recipient Since: 2010
Sport: Triathlon
Best Result:
2012 Olympian
5x ITU World Championship Series Gold Medalist
Hometown: Edmonton, AB
How does being a CAN Fund Recipient make a difference for you?
CAN Fund has allowed me to focus solely on training, while alleviating some of the financial stress that comes with being an athlete. Beyond the financial support, they are a supportive team of people who are behind us athletes and our families throughout our journey. I’ve used the funding for massage and physio treatments, travel costs, and groceries!
Share 3 words to describe what CAN Fund is to you:
Supportive, Community, Creative.
Thinks of someone who has impacted your life. Share 3 words on who they are to you.
My Parents – Loving, Inspiring, Dependable
My parents have had the biggest impact on me, providing unconditional support but never putting pressure on me. They’ve been there during my highest moments, and they’re the first people I want to talk to when I’m struggling or going through rough times. I absolutely could not do this without them.
What advice would you give to young kids or adolescents about following their dreams?
Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Believe in yourself, work hard, embrace the process, learn from your mistakes and maintain love and passion for what you do.
What is the biggest hurdle you have overcome to get to where you are today?
My injuries have been my biggest hurdles throughout my career, particularly before the London Olympics. Injuries are mentally and physically the most difficult thing that athletes have to face. They halt forward progress and require an enormous amount of patience, diligence and positivity. Ultimately they make you stronger, make you appreciate being healthy and appreciate when you have success even more.
What is or was the best part of representing Canada?
I love the camaraderie between the Canadian team members, especially at multi-sport games. I’ve met many great friends from different sports, all inspiring in their own ways.
What is next? What are your current goals?
My current major goal is to qualify for the Rio Olympic Games. The qualifying starts this summer, so I’m completely focused right now on being fit and ready to perform in August 2015. I would absolutely love to represent Canada at another Olympics, and it’s what I work towards every single day.
What are your top 3 favourite songs to work out to?
When a Fire Starts to Burn by Disclosure
Unbelievable by Emf
One More Time by Daft Punk
What is your favourite book?
Open by Andree Agasi
What is your favourite recipe?
I love making smoothies after training.
Favourite Recipe: frozen bananas, blueberries, protein powder, almond milk, chia seeds and Greek yogurt.
What is your favourite quote or words to live by?
“Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy”. – Guillaume Apollinaire
I find that I often get caught up in being a perfectionist, striving to achieve big goals, and having an idea of what the ultimate “happiness” would look like. However, it’s important to remember to enjoy the journey, find happiness in the process of achieving my goals, and embrace the challenges. This quote is a good reminder for me to stay positive and find joy in the little things, every single day.
Twitter: @PaulaFindlay
Website: paulafindlay.ca
Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/paula.findlay.triathlon
Instagram: @paula_findlay