Andre De Grasse
Written by David Grossman
When Andre De Grasse was a youngster, he had thoughts of becoming a pilot. De Grasse, in a candid discussion about his future, said he liked the idea of flying – but, outside of playing a variety of action video games, he couldn’t recall what it was that perked his …
Carmel Kallemaa
Written by Veronica Noronha
Inspired by the unity of Team Canada, Carmel Kallemaa set out to join the team long before she had even been to Canada. With a lot of hard work, perseverance, and commitment, in 2019 she did just that. She now proudly wears the Canadian flag on her uniform and performance …
Chiok Sze Yeo
Written by Veronica Noronha
At the tender age of four, Chiok Sze Yeo discovered that she loved the sport of swimming. From the moment her toes touched the water, she was hooked. By the time she turned five, she was already starting her competitive swimming career. Fast forward to 2019 and Yeo, now 14 …
Eugene Wang
Written by Veronica Noronha
There are only a few people in the world who can say they have represented Canada in the Olympics and Pan American Games. Eugene Wang, is one of them! In fact, Wang did it four times – at the 2012 Olympics in London, the 2015 Pan American Games at the …
Jana – Rhythmic Gymnastics Athlete
Written by Veronica Noronha
Jana, Canadian National Junior Team Member, trains with Kalev Estienne Rhythmic Gymnastics at Markham Pan Am Centre in the Home of Gymnastics Canada High Performance Training Centre for Rhythmic Gymnastics. This incredible athlete has a long-term goal of making it to the 2028 Olympic Games. She trains hard and she’s …
Jason Ho-Shue
Written by E Badminton Training Centre
In 2016, Markham’s Jason Anthony Ho-Shue became the youngest men’s singles National champion in the history of Canadian badminton at just 17 years old. “I aspire to get to the top 10 in the world.” A seemingly large ambition, but for Ho-Shue, success is a familiarity. As a Provincial, National, …
Jesse Lofthouse
Written by Veronica Noronha
Three words to best describe Rugby player Jesse Lofthouse? Passion, commitment and heart. Captain of the Markham Irish Rugby Club men’s senior team, Lofthouse says, “I am a Markham Irish boy. Always have been and always will be”. While he has always been interested in sports, including football and baseball, …
Leah Weatherhead, Mia Ruse, Nina Kovacevic and Madeline Pelosi
Written by Veronica Noronha
What does it take to play volleyball at the post-secondary level in Canada? First, you need passion for the sport, commitment to continuously improve and a network of like-minded athletes and coaches to support you along the way. What if you have these traits and want to play on a …
Marissa Papaconstantinou
Written by David Grossman
Marissa Papaconstantinou sees herself just like any other teenage female. A student at Markham’s Bill Crothers Secondary, she has an interest in a balanced social life, remains focussed on a solid education, participates in sports, is very active in a variety of community events, and the list goes on. But, …
Maxime Brinck-Croteau
Written by David Grossman
There is nothing like a dream. For some, when that cherished marvel actually becomes a reality, there is an emotional state of affection that can be hard to describe. Maxime Brinck-Croteau, a resident of Markham, knows that feeling. Since he was a youngster, brandishing those toy plastic swords and finally …
Michele Vivier
Written by Veronica Noronha
Rhythmic Gymnastics is like ballet, gymnastics and modern jazz rolled (literally) into one majestic sport. At 15, Michel Vivier is already mastering all of the apparatus tied to this sport. Every toss of the clubs, twirl of the hoop and bounce of the ball is done with such precision that …
Michelle Li
Written by Veronica Noronha
A long-time, proud City of Markham resident and Badminton trailblazer, Michelle Li has been on the international tournament circuit for over 10 years and often stops by the Markham Pan Am Centre to train between competitions. In February 2020, Li graciously sat down with us to talk about all things …
Michelle Li
Written by David Grossman
For Markham’s Michelle Li, it’s all about staying enthusiastic and fulfilling her life goal of making a positive difference. As the most successful female badminton player in Canada, and respectful rather than pompous, her plan is to be the best in the world. Quite a challenge, but Li has had …
Mihir Patel
Written by Veronica Noronha
Mihir Patel is a name to bookmark under “rising stars” on the Canadian Cricket scene and yes, there is a Canadian Cricket scene that we all need to know more about. Patel has been representing Canada on home turf and overseas for two years now and has big plans …
Peng Lei Wang
Written by Veronica Noronha
Block (Bat), Dodge (Pang Nga), Elbow (Sawk or Sok) and Fight (Chok) are a few Muay Thai terms that serious fighters and fans of the sport know well. Peng Lei Wang, a resident of China and professional fighter, is an expert in these terms and everything else there is to …
Phylicia George
Written by David Grossman
As a world-class athlete, Phylicia George knows the sparkle of prosperity and has faced variations of distress several times in past. But it has not always come during her career as a hurdler. Not known for being a quitter when, for many, it would have been so easy to pack …
Sean Baker
Written by Veronica Noronha
“The greatest coaching moments have nothing to do with winning…,” says Sean Baker, Head Coach Markham Aquatics Club (MAC). As we celebrate Coaches Week 2020, the Markham Pan Am Centre (MPAC) is shining a light on Sean Baker who recently took on the role of head coach for MAC. For …
Svetlana Joukova – Rhythmic Gymnastics Coach
Written by Veronica Noronha
Svetlana Joukova, a certified level 4 coach, has dedicated her life to coaching and inspiring Rhythmic Gymnastics athletes in Canada and around the world. Throughout her career, she has worked with a wide range of athletes – some as young as five years old – and has also coached athletes …
Tessa Cieplucha
Written by Veronica Noronha
2020 is a record-breaking year for Tessa Cieplucha, Canadian swimmer and there is so much more to come for this young athlete. Cieplucha is becoming a familiar face on the international competition stage, starting with her first appearance at the 2019 Pan Am Games in Lima, Peru. For some, this …
Tracey Ferguson
Written by David Grossman
People have shaken their heads in wonderment when watching Markham’s Tracey Ferguson play basketball. Talented and focused, there’s something about Ferguson’s athleticism and constant determination to excel that is also motivational and inspirational. For those who haven’t met Ferguson, she isn’t new at playing the game of hoops. Ferguson has …
Viera Kubova and Juraj Ilecko
Written by Veronica Noronha
Viera Kubova and Juraj Ilecko have been fox trotting, jiving and quick-stepping on dance floors for over 20 years. Residents of Slovakia, Kubova and Ilecko have taken their dancing shoes to competitions in Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovenia. Most recently, the pair competed in Canada, at their first …
Vippy Chau – Lifesavings Sport Coach
Written by Veronica Noronha
“Competing the Markham way means bettering yourself for the sake of the community, being inclusive, and feeling like you are a part of something bigger than yourself,” says Vippy Chau, Lifesaving Club of Markham coach. Did Chau choose Lifesaving Sport or did the sport choose Chau? The answer is yes …