2008 RBC Olympian Bios

Andrea's Bio

Andrea's childhood dream of competing at the Paralympic Games came true in 2004, when she represented Canada in the Long Jump event. She went on to earn a bronze medal in the same event at the 2007 Para-Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro. Eager to take on a new challenge, Andrea is currently training to qualify for the 2010 Paralympic Games in Alpine Skiing.

Athletic Goals

I want to compete and win a medal in Alpine Skiing at the 2010 Games. I also want to continue competing, winning medals, traveling the word, and doing a sport I love.

Favourite Olympic/Sporting Moment

When I was about to enter the stadium at the opening ceremonies at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens Greece. When they announced “Canada” on the loud speaker, I got goose bumps and for a moment I was completely overwhelmed. I had been told so many reasons why competing in Athens wasn’t possible, and now here I was. I had accomplished my goal, and was now representing myself, my family and my country at the biggest event in the world.

Best Advice You've Ever Received

I was driving my dad to the airport one day and said, “dad you better hug me because the next time you see me my life could be totally different.” And he said, “Awesome, go and change your life, you only get one chance at it, you should make it how you want it to be.”

Being an RBC Athlete means...

To me, this program is ideal. It has always been important for me to balance both my career as an athlete and my professional career outside of sport, and RBC has given me that opportunity. Since I had completed my degree in business, and the branch manager at Royal Center thought I would add value to their team, I embarked on a new adventure—the account manager personal training program. There isn’t a better program available to an athlete that allows success in both sport and life after sport. I am so thankful that RBC recognizes the importance of balance.