TORONTO (August 27, 2025) – The Canadian Olympic Committee announced four Olympians elected to the OLY Canada Commission: Mathieu Bilodeau OLY (athletics) and Kierra Smith OLY (swimming), along with re-elected members Claire Carver-Dias OLY(artistic swimming) and Christine Nesbitt OLY (long track speed skating).
The COC OLY Canada Commission represents active and retired Team Canada Olympians by supporting OLY Canada programming and empowering Team Canada’s community in spreading the spirit of Olympism across Canada. In contrast, the COC Athletes’ Commission represents athletes on the COC Board of Directors and also advocates for Canadian Olympic athletes’ perspectives at the COC.
After representing Canada in triathlon for nearly a decade, Bilodeau transitioned to race walking in 2014. He made his Olympic debut two years later at Rio 2016 before competing again at Tokyo 2020. The two-time Olympian is now a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
Smith, a two-time Olympian in swimming, competed in her first Games at Rio 2016, where she reached the final of the 200m breaststroke and finished seventh. She is a two-time Pan Am Games medallist having won gold in the women’s 200m breaststroke at Toronto 2015 and silver in the 4x100m medley relay at Guadalajara 2011. Now a real estate broker, Smith trains with a swim instructor group and serves on the Board of Directors of the Kelowna AquaJets Swim Club.
Carver-Dias is a bronze medallist with the women’s team at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and two-time gold medallist at the 1999 Pan American Games in the women’s duet and team events. She is currently President of Commonwealth Sport Canada and past chair of OLY Canada.
Nesbitt is a three-time Olympian and two-time Olympic medallist in long track speed skating. In her first Olympic appearance at Turin 2006, she won silver in the team pursuit. She would go on to capture gold in the women’s 1000m on home ice at Vancouver 2010. Nesbitt is now an urban planner for the City of Richmond where she focuses on major projects for sustainability and event legacies.
Nesbitt and Bruny Surin will serve as Chair and Vice-Chair, respectively. Émilie Fournel OLY has been appointed as a COC staff member.
Following the election, the current members of the OLY Canada Commission can be found here.
The COC extends its sincere gratitude to the outgoing members for their dedication to the sport community since the Commission’s creation in 2021.
- David Calder OLY (Rowing – Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012) – Vice-Chair
- Sandra Sassine OLY (Fencing – Beijing 2008, London 2012) – COC Staff Appointed Member
Learn more about the COC OLY Canada Commission here.
QUOTES
“I’m honoured to step into the role of Chair and look forward to working with this exceptional group to amplify the voices of Canadian Olympians across generations. Thank you to all past and present Commission members whose dedication over the past four years has built a strong foundation for our continued growth and impact. I’m excited for this Commission to continue providing opportunities, building connections, and representing the enduring values of Team Canada Olympians.”
– Christine Nesbitt, three-time Olympian and two-time Olympic medallist in long track speed skating, elected Chair of the OLY Canada Commission
“I am honoured to have been elected to the OLY Canada Commission by my fellow Olympians. In this role, I want to support and bring new initiatives that strengthen the Olympian Movement, celebrate the achievements of Canadians Olympians, and inspire future generations. I look forward to working with this great group of athletes in this Commission to create meaningful connections, resources and opportunities for our community.”
– Mathieu Bilodeau, two-time Olympian in athletics
“I am honoured to be elected to the OLY Canada Commission. My goal is to connect and support Canadian Olympians. I am grateful to be able to give back to the community that has shaped my life. Every athlete should feel valued during and long after the Games are over. I am looking forward to collaborating within the OLY community and amplifying our athletes’ voices across Canada.”
– Kierra Smith, two-time Olympian in swimming
“The OLY Canada Commission is an important opportunity to ensure Olympians’ voices continue to shape our community and reflect the values they live by on and off the field. Congratulations to Christine, Claire, Kierra and Mathieu, who I know will bring their perspective and passion to make a meaningful impact for the Olympian community across Canada.”
– Tricia Smith, four-time Olympian and Canadian Olympic Committee President
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Media Contact:
Arianne Cloux, Coordinator, Communications
Canadian Olympic Committee
C: 514-606-2441
E: acloux@olympic.ca