Olympic Athlete Interview: Caroline Calvé

Caro Calvé on the slopes (Pictures by Olivier Krauss)

Caro Calvé is truly an inspiration. A latecomer to snowboarding, she has taken the sport by storm over the past four years, as a top ten finisher in three World Championships, a two-season Canadian Champion, and a competitor at the 2010 winter Olympics in Vancouver. Her breathtaking career highlight came in December of last year, when she became the first Canadian female to take home a snowboarding World Cup. A native of Aylmer, Quebec, Caro is beautiful, smart, extremely articulate, and best of all, full of great advice for those of us who want to get moving - we couldn't ask for a better role model!  

BMP: What achievements are you most proud of?

CC: I didn’t take up snowboarding until I was 22, and nine years later I was competing at the Olympics. Before that, I was a skier, but I was very intimidated by competition. I’m proud that I took that leap, even though snowboarding was a very young sport. I am also very proud of winning the World Cup, as it is something that had never been done by a Canadian woman in that discipline.

BMP: Do you think Canada’s top athletes have anything in common with the general population who want to get fit?

CC: Athletes are all normal people! The reason we achieve what we do is that we are determined, the same as someone who, for example, earns a doctorate degree. It’s just that our goals are very physical. But it’s just like achieving anything else – I’m a strong believer that if you want something badly enough, you can get it.

 BMP: Are there days where you don’t feel like training? In those moments, what motivates you/what advice would you give to those who can’t seem to get motivated?

CC: Believe me, there are lots of times when I don’t feel like training, especially in the activities that are harder for me, like sprinting. What I’ve realized though, is that I’m most satisfied and proud when I do the things I hate doing – when I push myself harder it creates a feeling of confidence and self-assurance. I think it’s really important to challenge yourself and to try to achieve that. The harder you push, the more you get out of it. My advice is – when it’s hard and you don’t feel like it, stop looking at the big picture and think about the small steps. When you don’t feel like going for a run, just get dressed. Then go outside. Then start walking. Focus on the process.

BMP: What are your top tips for those who want to lead a more active lifestyle but don’t know where to start?

CC: My advice would be to start with things that are easy to do near where you live. Go for a long walk, then try speed walking. Concentrate on small, obtainable goals that are convenient. Also, involve people around you – that’s such a great motivator.

BMP: What’s your favourite healthy snack?

CC: I really like to eat fruits, and they fill me up and offer the vitamins I need. I also love to bake, so I’ll try to find healthier versions of the recipes I love. I make a great banana cake that has very little sugar and fat – with yogurt, bio six-grain flour, dark chocolate and nuts. 

BMP: Many people are concerned that our schoolchildren are not as active as they should be – if you could implement one initiative in Canadian schools what would it be?

Caro Calvé (Picture by Claude Brazeau)

I think kids should have a minimum of one hour a day allocated to exercise. Give them play time and they will normally run around of their own accord.

BMP: What for you is the number one benefit to leading an active life?

CC: It keeps me sane! The benefits for me are much more than physical. It clears my mind, gives me energy, and makes me more confident, self-assured and proud of myself.

BMP: What’s your favourite ‘active health’ activity to do on a day off from training?

I have a dog, so I’m often out walking. I also like mountain biking – I don’t see it as training because it’s fun. Mainly, I love doing things with the people I love to be around.

Olympic Athlete Interview: Nate Brannen

Nate Brannen, centre, representing Canada at the Beijing Olympics, 2008

Runner Nate Brannen broke the four-minute mile barrier when he was still in high school in Cambridge, Ontario - one of just seven athletes in North America ever to do so. Since then, Nate has smashed numerous records on the professional circuit, and has represented his country at the Beijing Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and World Track and Field Championships. He has his eye on the podium in London this summer, and is currently training hard for the Canadian Olympic Trials, which happen June 27-30 in Calgary.

BMP:  What achievements are you most proud of?

NB: The fact that I was a Silver Medalist at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, 1500m, and that I am a 2008 Olympian, 1500m

BMP:  Do you think Canada’s top athletes have anything in common with the general population who want to get fit?

NB: Yes, both have the ability to get fit but it’s those who take the initiative to do something about their situation that accomplish their goals.

BMP: Are there days where you don’t feel like training? In those moments, what motivates you/what advice would you give to those who can’t seem to get motivated?

NB: Sure, but I have very strong goals for myself and I know that I will never achieve them by sitting on my butt and not getting out there and training. The best advice I could give is that you can’t focus only on the process but think about the final goal. No one ever said achieving your goals would be easy but most can say that the outcome was well worth the hard work and dedication it took to get there.

BMP:  What are your top tips for those who want to lead a more active lifestyle but don’t know where to start?

NB: One major tip is goal setting. I try to tell people to set current goals, yearly goals and future goals. This way you are always able to reach a goal but also have something to strive for at the end. Some people tend to set their goals too high which makes them unachievable, so they give up in the process.

BMP: What’s your favourite healthy snack?

NB: My favourite healthy snack is quinoa with garbanzo beans, tomato, feta cheese, a small amount of olive oil and a pinch of salt.

BMP: Many people are concerned that our schoolchildren are not as active as they should be – if you could implement one initiative in Canadian schools what would it be?

NB: Healthier snack options at school and emphasis on physical education and how fun it is instead of making it something kids come to dislike because of testing.

BMP:  What for you is the number one benefit to leading an active life?

NB: Feeling healthy - simple as that.

BMP: What’s your favourite ‘active health’ activity to do on a day off from training?

NB: Unfortunately in training season, a day off is exactly that, a complete day off from any activity. This gives my body a chance to recover from the stress I place on it day in and day out. I live a very active lifestyle. outside of running I enjoy walks, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, basically anything that is active and gets me out of the house.

Olympic Athlete Interview: Tobias Oriwol

Tobias Oriwol was born in Montreal and moved to Toronto as a teenager. A swimmer from a very early age, he has represented Canada at World Championships, Commonwealth Games, Pan-American Games and Pan-Pacific Games. He traveled to the Beijing Olympics in 2008, coming in 15th overall in his event, against the most elite athletes on the planet.

Tobias also holds degrees from Stanford and Harvard University, and after the London Olympics this summer, plans to launch a career in Urban Planning. His tips on getting motivated and staying active come just as the public pools in Canada begin to open for the summer - so why not grab your swimsuit and freestyle your way to health and happiness?!

Olympic Athlete Interview: Michael Tayler

First up in our series of interviews with inspirational Canadian athletes is kayaker Michael Tayler. At just 20 years old, this Ottawa native claimed the sole Canadian berth for a kayaker in London this summer by finishing his qualifying run just 0.1 of a second ahead of his nearest competitor.

In our exclusive Bloomberg Manulife Prize interview, he tells us a little about what being active and healthy means to him, and offers tips on getting motivated, even if your goals are a little more modest than the next Olympic Games!  

BMP: What achievements are you most proud of?

MT: I am most proud of winning the Canadian Olympic Selection race this year and earning the only spot for men’s kayak to represent Canada at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. I went out and raced for myself and that ended up being good enough to win it all!

BMP: Do you think Canada’s top athletes have anything in common with the general population who want to get fit?

MT: Like the general population we are always looking to set goals for ourselves, whether it be getting stronger, faster, losing or gaining weight. It is just as difficult for athletes to get that ‘extra edge’ they are looking for as it is for someone to make a change in their lifestyle. The feeling of success is the same for everyone, whether that goal is to win a gold medal, run a 10k for the first time, or loose 10lbs.

BMP: Are there days where you don’t feel like training? In those moments, what motivates you/ what advice would you give to those who can’t seem to get motivated?

MT: Yes, all the time. When you wake up in the morning and it’s cold outside, often the last thing you want to be doing is going to the river and training, but if I know my training partners are going to be there, then I’m always there. My advice to those that can’t seem to get motivated is to get a friend or two and set a time to meet at the gym. Set small, reachable goals together, and work towards them.

BMP: What are your top tips for those who want to lead a more active lifestyle but don’t know where to start?

MT: Don’t be afraid to ask the experts! We are more than willing to help people get into the sports we love. Athletes are sports enthusiasts and like nothing better than discussing their sport and other sports with anyone willing to listen!

BMP: What’s your favourite healthy snack?

MT: Does coffee count?!


BMP: Many people are concerned that our schoolchildren are not as active as they should be – if you could implement one initiative in Canadian schools what would it be?

MT: I would try and diversify sports and fitness programming in schools. If children are introduced to a wide range of sports then there is a larger chance that they will find something they connect with and enjoy. Everyone has different athletic strengths and so just because a kid isn’t good at one sport, they can still excel in another.


BMP: What for you is the number one benefit to leading an active life?

MT: The number one reason for me is the feeling of being fit and healthy.

BMP: What’s your favourite ‘active health’ activity to do on a day off from training? 



Michael  hiking the Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand

MT: Really….my favourite way to relax on a day off from training is by watching TV and playing video games! Outside of training, one of my favourite things to do while I’m travelling is go on a cool hike. While I was training in New Zealand this year, I hiked the Tongariro Crossing, which was an amazing experience.