We cannot always choose the circumstances of our lives. But, we can choose what we do with them.
I’m writing today to tell you the story of Jessica Tuomela, a member of Canada’s national team vying for the Paralympic podium this summer in Toyko.
Jessica is completely blind
In some ways, Jessica has been training for triathlon for a long time. She loves to swim competitively and even won medals, but the fire in her belly wanted more. She wanted more. So, in 2017, she made the tough decision to quit her full-time job and move across the country to chase a dream she wasn’t even sure she could realise – becoming a high-performance triathlete. Triathlon is fast-paced, and athletes make snap decisions while moving at top speeds. Because Jessica is blind she races with her guide, Marianne Hogan. Marianne acts as her eyes and they drive as one for the finish line.
They are a cohesive unit.
Their goals for Tokyo? Bring home gold, and return triathlon to the international success it had under Simon Whitfield.
They swim connected by a simple cord, cueing each other by what the rope is telling them. On the bike Marianne calls out to Jessica to signal bumps or warns her if a racer is about to surge past them. The final leg of the triathlon is the run. They are linked by a short piece of rope with loops at each end. The loops are for their thumbs to go through to help them stay connected. Marianne gives Jessica cues such as “turning left,” or “lift your feet.”
In those moments of the race, they sweat, gasp, hurt together and drive to win.
We all make hard decisions in life. Some of them wrong and some of them right. But it’s what we do with the outcomes that determines who we are in this world, and who we can become. Today, after much hard work, Jessica is part of a team of Canadian triathletes preparing to race for their country in Tokyo this summer.
And here’s where you come in…
This fall the Canadian Team is working with Triathlon Canada, to raise $140,000 to support their Olympic and Paralympic pursuit, while firing the passion of up-and-coming triathletes so they can also reach the podium.
I’m asking you to make a choice to join us.
Training is critical to achieving these goals. An essential training event takes place in Miyazaki, Japan, just before the Olympics begin. Of the $140,000 we hope to raise, $80,000 of it will fund a tandem bike and training camp for Team Canada paratriathletes.
Canada’s triathletes are back. Honouring the same road Simon Whitfield ran, we are driving for gold this summer. We are so grateful for your support. It will foster a next generation of greatness for our country.
Sincerely,
Kim Van Bruggen
Chief Executive Officer
Triathlon Canada