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A collage of Team Sobeys Olympic and Paralympic athletes
A collage of Team Sobeys Olympic and Paralympic athletes
Banner image of Damian Warner
Banner image of Damian
Banner image of Damian

Damian Warner

Team Canada, Decathlon

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Damian,
Do your best and have fun! 
We’re behind you no matter what.

Love, Jen.

Defending Gold Medalist Damian is chasing his third Olympic medal this summer in Paris. His family will be cheering him on as he takes the world stage.

Hobbies: “When I have my time off, I like to spend it at home. I have a three-year-old , so as soon as he wakes up, we're playing hockey or going over hurdles or doing something fun.”

Role models: “My mother. If I’m able to be even just a little bit of what my mom was, I think that I’m heading in the right direction.”

Best advice: “My mom gave me the most important advice: you can do anything you set your mind to. But you have to have people around you to help you get there.”

Favourite food: “My mom’s tradition was to make me cheesecake after competitions, so it’s something I always look forward to after competing.”

Send a note to Damian

A Banner image of Ellie
Banner image of Ellie
Banner image of Ellie

Ellie Black

Team Canada, Gymnastics

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Dear Ellie:
Focus on your goals
and enjoy the moment
Love, Mom.

Ellie Black is Canada’s most decorated female artistic gymnast going into her fourth Olympic Games. Fun fact: "The Black” is a skill on the uneven bars named after her as she was the first gymnast to complete it.

Hobbies: “I love to cook and bake outside of gymnastics. It’s a way to explore new things and be creative.”

Role models: “My parents are incredible role models. They have always inspired me to dream big, to not let anyone else set my limits, to live in the moment, to be true to myself, and to love what I do.”

Best advice: “My father has been encouraging and involved throughout my journey, telling me to enjoy what I do and embrace every moment.”

Favourite food: “I love oatmeal, eggs, and berries. After competing, I love a good protein bowl – a mix of protein, carbs, and veggies.”

Send a note to Ellie
A Banner image of josh
Banner image of Joshua
Banner image of Joshua

Joshua Liendo

Team Canada, Swimming

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Dear Josh:
Whatever you do,
do to the best of your ability
From, your whole family.

Joshua “Josh” Liendo is the first Black Canadian swimmer to win an individual medal at a major international championship, as well as the first to win a gold medal for his country.

Hobbies: “I enjoy playing the guitar, violin, and bass.”

Role models: “Growing up, my idol was NBA phenom Allen ‘The Answer’ Iverson.”

Best advice: “My mom and dad always told me, ‘Whatever you do, do to the best of your ability’ so that really stays with me. My former coach would also always say ‘Don’t let one negative result affect you’ and I'll carry that with me forever.’”

Favourite food: “Pre-competition, I'll make something simple and nutritious but afterwards you can usually find me enjoying a salty snack.”

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A Banner image of Kate
A Banner image of kate
Banner image of Kate

Kate O'Brien

Team Canada, Para Cycling

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Kate:Here you are, crushing it!
Love, Meghan.

Kate started her competitive career in able-bodied bobsleigh, and competed in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in track cycling. A crash during training in 2017 caused a brain injury, but Kate was undeterred and got back on the bike as a Paralympian. She took home silver at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.

Hobbies: “I’ve taken classical guitar since I was seven. In fact, I played for Robin (our son) when he was in utero, and he seems to love music now.”

Role models: “I think one of my top role models would be my Grandpa.”

Best advice: “My wife wrote me a card before I departed for Rio. ‘The past few months have been absolutely bananas, but here you are, CRUSHING IT.’ Helped me to take a step back from being stuck in my own head to see things as they are.”

Favourite food: “My mum’s vegetable soup; Meghan’s quinoa and roast potato salad; peanut butter, pickle, and ketchup sandwiches; Kraft Dinner; sour candies.”

Send a note to Kate
A banner image of Melissa and Brandie
Banner image of Mellisa&Brandie
Banner image of Mellisa&Brandie

Melissa Humana-
Paredes

Team Canada, Beach Volleyball

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Melissa,
You make me the proudest Dad. Create poetry in motion.
Love, Dad.

Teammates Melissa and Brandie are ready to hit the sandy volleyball courts in Paris as they play in their first Olympic Games as a duo.

Hobbies: “I love going to concerts. And if I can ever make it work, where I'm overseas at a tournament and we have some time, I'll try and find little local concerts to go to.”
Role models: “My parents. I credit them for showing me what it means to be a true human – managing emotions, and how to take what life throws at you.”
Best advice: “My dad has always encouraged me to create ‘poetry in motion’. I want people to see the joy I have in me, and see the dance I do, all to inspire and excite people to invest in sport and to support female athletes.”

Favourite food: “Pizza, like a massive pizza. The crust is very important. I get very upset when I see people not eating the crust.”

Brandie
Wilkerson

Team Canada, Beach Volleyball

An image of notepad

Brandie,
Que sera sera.
From, your brother Travis.

Hobbies: “I have always had a love for art and fashion, so I try to go to events, museums, and stay connected to my creativity.”

Role models: “I have an incredible group of women in my life like my mother, sister, and best friends that teach me daily what it’s like to live life fully and successfully.”

Best advice: “I once read, ‘You have everything you need, you’re simply on the path to discovering it.’ And that has stayed with me in the pursuit of my goals as it’s kept me a student of the game and feeling truly confident and capable of accomplishing anything.”

Favourite food: “Pre-competition favourites include beets, yogurt, bread and honey, grilled veggies, rice dishes, dried fruit, and bars. For post-competition, I like a hearty salad, pizza, granola, pasta, fresh cut fruit.”

Teammates Melissa and Brandie are ready to hit the sandy volleyball courts in Paris as they play in their first Olympic Games as a duo.

Hobbies: “I love going to concerts. And if I can ever make it work, where I'm overseas at a tournament and we have some time, I'll try and find little local concerts to go to.”

Role models: “My parents. I credit them for showing me what it means to be a true human – managing emotions, and how to take what life throws at you.”

Best advice: “My dad has always encouraged me to create ‘poetry in motion’. I want people to see the joy I have in me, and see the dance I do, all to inspire and excite people to invest in sport and to support female athletes.”

Favourite food: “Pizza, like a massive pizza. The crust is very important. I get very upset when I see people not eating the crust.”

Hobbies: “I have always had a love for art and fashion, so I try to go to events, museums, and stay connected to my creativity.”

Role models: “I have an incredible group of women in my life like my mother, sister, and best friends that teach me daily what it’s like to live life fully and successfully.”

Best advice: “I once read, ‘You have everything you need, you’re simply on the path to discovering it.’ And that has stayed with me in the pursuit of my goals as it’s kept me a student of the game and feeling truly confident and capable of accomplishing anything.”

Favourite food: “Pre-competition favourites include beets, yogurt, bread and honey, grilled veggies, rice dishes, dried fruit, and bars. For post-competition, I like a hearty salad, pizza, granola, pasta, fresh cut fruit.”

Send a note to Melissa And Brandie
Banner image of Phil
A Banner image of Phil
Banner image of Phil

Phil Wizard

Team Canada, Breaking

An image of notepad

Phil,
We’re proud of you.
Love, Mom and Dad.

Not only will this be Phil’s first Olympic Games, it’s the first time his sport – breaking – will be included in the games.

Hobbies: “I love reading books, specifically fantasy, getting lost in different worlds. I also love video games, anime, cartoons, movies.”

Role models: “I don't really have a role model, never did. But I find characteristics and qualities that I admire and strive for in everyone around me.”

Best advice: "Find your people, especially when things get tough, and things start to change. Knowing who you can lean on and who is there for you, truly there, is very important."

Favourite food: “Too many to count. I have a sweet tooth, so post (and sometimes pre) competition I’ll have some good ice cream, cheesecake, or tiramisu. I also love Italian food, so pizza and pasta. Sushi is also up there.”

Send a note to Phil
A Banner image of stephan
Banner image of stephan
Banner image of stephan

Stefan Daniel

Team Canada, Para Triathlon

An image of notepad

Stefan,
This is your time to shine.
Trust the process; give it your all!
-From, your brother Christian.

This is Stefan’s third Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, where he’s hoping to continue his medal streak representing Canada.

Hobbies: "Right now, outside of triathlon, I don't have a ton of time. So I just try to hang out with friends and spend time with people back home as much as I can.”

Role models: “Michael Phelps was my hero growing up. Watching him in Beijing was when I realized that I wanted to compete when I was older.”

Best advice: “’If you're not having fun with something, then don't do it.’ And that's always been how I've approached sports – not to take myself too seriously.”

Favourite food: “Before a competition I’ll have pasta or pizza. The day of, I’ll eat a bagel with peanut butter and banana, and some coffee. But after competing, I’ll have a burger.”

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