- Canadian athletes have faced historical abuse and are now experiencing a slow shift towards safer sports environments.
- Significant investments have been made in safe sport initiatives since 2022.
- The 2024 Paris Games will see increased support for athletes, including mental wellness specialists and safe-sport officers.
Canadian athletes heading to the Paris 2024 Games are experiencing a gradual shift towards safer sports environments following a series of testimonies about abuse and maltreatment. T
The culture shift required for a truly safe sporting environment is still in its early stages. Despite the progress, the transformation is expected to take multiple generations. Athletes like Olympic rower Avalon Wasteneys have reported feeling more supported, but there is still much work to be done.
Striving for Safe Sport: Canada’s Efforts Ahead of Paris 2024
In recent years, Canada’s high-performance sport system has faced intense scrutiny following revelations of widespread abuse and maltreatment. The testimonies of athletes who participated in the Beijing Winter Games brought these issues to the forefront, prompting the establishment of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission. This commission aims to further investigate and address the deep-rooted problems within the sports system.
Since 2022, the federal government and the Canadian Olympic Committee have invested approximately $50 million in safe sport initiatives. These initiatives include the creation of the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner and a culture audit tool for national sports organizations. Despite these efforts, the change in culture has been slow, and athletes like Olivia Apps believe that more proactive measures are needed to ensure long-term protection.
Athletes such as Avalon Wasteneys, an Olympic champion rower, have reported feeling more supported and safer in their training environments. This positive change reflects the beginning of a cultural shift towards prioritizing athlete well-being. The new generation of coaches is increasingly embracing safe sport principles, moving away from the “old-school” methods that prioritized performance over mental and physical health.
For the Paris 2024 Games, Canada has placed a strong emphasis on athlete well-being. The mission staff includes three mental wellness specialists and over 50 safe-sport officers. The theme “Winning well” highlights the importance of achieving success while maintaining the athletes’ overall well-being. This approach underscores the commitment to ensuring that athletes not only perform at their best but also finish their athletic journeys as better individuals.
The journey towards a safer sport environment for Canadian athletes is underway, with significant strides made but much work remaining. As Canada heads to the Paris 2024 Games, the focus on “Winning well” aims to balance competitive success with the essential need for athlete well-being.
“The wheels are moving,” race walker Evan Dunfee said. “I’ve seen some progress. There’s still way more to be done. It’ll take multiple generations, probably, but we’re heading in the right direction if nothing else.”
