Hello everyone,

This week, I would like to talk to you about an amazing initiative: Youth Olympics. The first edition of the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics was held in Singapore from August 14 to 26. The International Olympic Committee took the decision, in 2007, to launch the Youth Olympics. I think it is a super idea that helps to promote sport to young athletes.  

The Youth Games is a gathering of 3,600 athletes from everywhere around the world! Ambassadors for this first edition were the American swimmer Michael Phelps, the Russian perchman Yelena Isinbayeva and the Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, all world records holders.

 Wow, what an idea and good success!

Alex

Hello everyone,

Last Tuesday, August 17, was the Ronald McDonald House Charities golf tournament in Tremblant. The event was successful and raised a total of $90,000. Everyone had fun and got to enjoy a wonderful day.

Also, I’m currently in Europe for half vacation, half training camp. It is always fun and refreshing to do something else, to do something different for a while, but I’m starting to really look forward to competing again. This shows me how much sport is a real passion for me. Same goes for you, summer is almost over and back to school is just around the corner. Enjoy the rest of your time as well as the nice weather!

Alex

Hello everyone,

Yesterday, the Canadian Olympic Committee announced who would be the next Chef de mission for the 2012 Canadian Olympic team in London. It will be the swimming legend Mark Tewksbury.

Mark is a role model and I think that it is an excellent choice. Now 42 years old, he has many titles under his belt including three Olympic medals: a gold medal in the 100-metre backstroke at the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games, and a bronze (1992) and silver (1988) medal in the men’s 4x100-metre medley. He also received many awards. But it is mostly his leadership, his team spirit and his passion for sports that got him the title of Chef de mission.

When he retired, he decided to co-found a professional development company and become a motivational speaker to share his experience. Swimming was not only a sport for Mark; it was also a school for life. I had the chance to meet him a few times. I love his way of seeing things and I’m really happy for him!

You can go see on the Canadian Olympic Committee website for more details. On my end, I am away for a while, I’ll keep you posted!

Alex

Hello everyone,

It’s summer time, the sun is shining and it’s easy to get distracted and have a good time with friends and family. This is why I have to stay focused and not forget my main goal, the London Olympic Games. I’m training hard and giving my 100 % everyday. Also, there has been a slight change in my schedule; I’ll first stop in Europe before going to China.

Finally, I would like to mention the Ronald McDonald House Charities golf tournament in Toronto that took place last week. They raised just over $190,000! Wow, thanks to all of the generous contributors.

Alex

Photo: John Betts, President of McDonald’s Canada, Richard Ellis, President of Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald, Devon Friedman and Rem Langan from RMHC.

Hello everyone,

Busy week! Yesterday, in Toronto, was the official launch, organised by the Canadian Olympic Committee, of the “Own the Podium 2012” program. They also seized the opportunity to they announced the performance goals and launched themselves on the road to the London Games in 2012; it’s looking good if we refer to the historic 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver, and it is excellent news. We could feel the excitement!

Many medias were on site to cheer on us but also to ask us questions on our preparation and on the effect of a program like this one. I did a lot of interviews. I invite you to watch the one I did on CBC to know more about my next steps until the Games.

Unfortunately, last weekend, I couldn’t dive in Spain as I had planned because I injured my ankle. Luckily, it was not serious and I’m already back to training. I’m leaving in the next couple of days: next step, China!

Alex