SUPPORTING CHAMPIONS
Jane Labreche, Canadian Sport Centre Pacific Physiologist, on her experience with the men's & women's long track speed skating team at the 2010 Games.

Q  What is your role at the 2010 Games? 

A  I worked as support staff (physiology) for the long track speed skating team.

Q   In the lead up to the Games, what sort of testing/training have you done with the team? 

A  In the past year and a half I’ve been involved in basic testing, routine monitoring, and specific race preparation protocols. 

Q  How would you describe the environment/vibe at the Richmond Olympic Oval during the Games?

A  The best way to describe the oval would be to describe the crowd - which I would have to say is extremely “passionate”. The Dutch love their speed skaters and there is no shortage of fans wherever their team goes. But Canadian fans are also learning more about speed skating and have become very loud supporters too. You could not here one word the announcer was saying as soon as a Canadian skater stood on the start line. And in many cases, during skating warm-ups the cheering would follow the Canadian skaters around the oval as if it were “the wave”. 

Q  Team Canada has performed well – what is it like being part of the team that supports so many Olympic medallists?

A  The long track speed skating team is pretty special. They have a very caring and committed support staff and a great group of athletes. It’s been an absolute pleasure working with them and I’ve made many new friends in the process.

Q  You have been part of Integrated Support Teams at other major games including the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing. How has your 2010 experience been in comparison?

A  Both different and similar at the same time!

Different because Beijing involved huge travel logistics, and not all the staff were able to stay in the village. Communication with the team was challenging. In Vancouver I was able to interact with the team on a daily basis because of a common space that was used as a multipurpose area for the team to gather.

Similar because both experiences were remarkable in working through disappointments and achievements, in working towards common goals and in knowing everyone worked their butts off to contribute to the team!