Olympic Athlete Interview: François-Louis Tremblay

One of just two Canadian men to win five Winter Olympic medals - two in one night at the Vancouver 2012 games - François-Louis Tremblay is a speed skater who has proven that determination and talent combined can be a force to be reckoned with. Excelling in both individual and relay short-track events, Tremblay has also taken home gold from World Championships and World Cups - not surprising for someone who started speed-skating at the age of four!

He took on our BMP questionnaire last week and has plenty of inspiration that will get you up and active, even if it's in warmer conditions than an ice rink!

BMP: What achievements are you most proud of?

FLT: Obviously I am very proud of my five Olympic medals - any Olympic race is really a career highlight. But what I'm really proud of is the fact that I took a two year break from competing at the top level and then came back - no one's ever done that before. Once you drop down, there are people who don't believe you'll ever be a champion again, so proving those people wrong and showing the world I could do it was as good as a gold medal.

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

FLT: I believe that anyone can be sucessful in sport. For me it all started because I wanted to do something fun. I think if you keep holding onto that sense of fun you can achieve anything.

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?

FLT: I think that the key is to think long term, about the pleasure of achieving what you've been working towards. Think of the satisfaction you'll feel at the end. For me, that feeling is incomparable - it's like a drug.

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

FLT: Keep it simple in the beginning. Travel around on foot, or by bike. Get rid of the car for a while, you'll soon realise that the city is not that big. I would advise people who are having a hard time with motivation to avoid the gym, because it often feels like a chore, or a duty. Machines are not made to be fun. Get outside, that's really important.

BMP: What’s your favourite healthy snack?

FLT: I really like yogurt with cereal and strawberries.

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?

FLT: I think that there should be more competitions. I have very strong memories of sporting competitions when I was in grade four. They motivate you to push yourself and beat people - we all have a natural competitive side. 'Play time' once per week can become boring - make kids compete and we'll see them take pleasure in being active.

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

FLT: I really see the difference physically - compared to friends my age who are not active. It gives you energy, keeps you going, and keeps you young.

Photo: Jimmy Francour

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

FLT: Often when I have a day off it really has to be a day off, so I can recover. But like a lot of athletes, I do love surfing - it's a great workout and it's a lot of fun.