Name: Vincent Riendeau
First time CAN Fund recipient
Nickname: Vinny
Hometown: Pointe-Claire, QC
Sport: Diving
Best Result: 2016 Olympian, 11th at the 2019 Fina World Championships
On The National Team Since (Year): 2013
How many hours do you workout/train/compete on average each day and how many days per week?
I train on average 5 hours a day, five times a week
Who is one person who has significantly impacted your life/journey?
YiHua Li
Tell us how they made a difference and share 3 words that describe who that person is to you.
YiHua has been my coach for the last ten years although I’ve been training mostly with another coach (they work together) for the last four. Since I started diving at the Pointe-Claire Diving Club when I was 5, she has been the head coach. Up until I was thirteen and diving with other junior development coaches, I used to fear having to dive with her because I saw how demanding she was with her athletes. But when I began training with her, I saw a different side to the sport and sport in general. She taught gave me the work ethic that enabled me to become the athlete I am now. Apart from sport values, she also taught me to be to be proud but humble of what I achieve. She helped me fix my attitude as a young diver and to work more efficiently by controlling my emotions.
Mother
Resilient
Integrity
What are your words to live by or your motto?
Always believe in yourself.
How did you get involved in your sport?
I got involved in diving through my neighbor who was a member of the Pointe-Claire diving club. I used to spend hours every day trying out tricks on her backyard trampoline and she thought I should try out diving. I tried out and I developed a strong passion for the sport when I was young.
What is the best part about representing Canada?
The best part about representing Canada is getting support from all the Canadian fans. We definitely have a strong group of supporters!
Instagram: @vinceriendeau
Twitter: @riendeau_v