Adam van Koeverden

Adam van Koeverden

Three-Time Olympic Medallist

Adam van Koeverden first captured our attention during the 2004 Olympics in Athens. Since then he has dominated the World Cup circuit over the past four years, winning the overall title each year from 2004 through 2007, and winning the 2007 World Championships in record time. In the Beijing 2008 Olympics, our flag bearer beat his own world record in the K-1 500 with a time of one minute and 35.554 seconds – and finished the 500m with a silver medal. Off the water, van Koeverden is active with the David Suzuki Foundation and Right to Play, and motivates audiences with his messages of bouncing back and rising from the ashes, Canadian pride, focus and determination.


Contact Speakers' Spotlight

 

Adam van Koeverden became one of Canada’s brightest stars during his first Olympic appearance in 2004. He became the country’s first double medallist in years, winning a gold in the K-1 500 m and a bronze in the K-1 1000 m. He was chosen to be Canada's flag bearer at the closing ceremonies and was later awarded the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada's top athlete of 2004.
The sprint kayaker has dominated the World Cup circuit over the course of his career, winning the overall title each year from 2004 through 2007, and winning the 2007 World Championships in record time. He has won 23 World Cup gold medals, and is also 61-time Canadian champion. 
Honoured to be Canada's flag bearer for the Beijing 2008 Olympic opening ceremonies, van Koeverden beat his own world record in the K-1 500 with a time of one minute and 35.554 seconds. He finished with a silver medal in the 500m race. 
In the summer of 2011, van Koeverden achieved a world championship gold medal in his favourite event, winning the men's K1 1,000-metre final by more than three seconds.  van Koeverden’s victory qualified a spot for  Canada at the 2012 Olympics in London.
Off the water, van Koeverden is active with the David Suzuki Foundation, and is an athlete ambassador for the athlete-driven humanitarian organization, Right to Play, a group that comes to the aid of disadvantaged youth with sport and activity.  

Adam van Koeverden became one of Canada’s brightest stars during his first Olympic appearance in 2004. He became the country’s first double medallist in years, winning a gold in the K-1 500 m and a bronze in the K-1 1000 m. He was chosen to be Canada's flag bearer at the closing ceremonies and was later awarded the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada's top athlete of 2004.

The sprint kayaker has dominated the World Cup circuit over the course of his career, winning the overall title each year from 2004 through 2007, and winning the 2007 World Championships in record time. He has won 23 World Cup gold medals, and is also 61-time Canadian champion. 

Honoured to be Canada's flag bearer for the Beijing 2008 Olympic opening ceremonies, van Koeverden beat his own world record in the K-1 500 with a time of one minute and 35.554 seconds. He finished with a silver medal in the 500m race. 

In the summer of 2011, van Koeverden achieved a world championship gold medal in his favourite event, winning the men's K1 1,000-metre final by more than three seconds.  van Koeverden’s victory qualified a spot for  Canada at the 2012 Olympics in London.

Off the water, van Koeverden is active with the David Suzuki Foundation, and is an athlete ambassador for the athlete-driven humanitarian organization, Right to Play, a group that comes to the aid of disadvantaged youth with sport and activity.  

 

  • Keynotes

    The 2008 Olympics taught Adam van Koeverden more about himself as an athlete, than any other experience of his life. Van Koeverden shares his Olympic stories with audiences - the many highs and lows throughout his career and why nothing helps him appreciate victory more than failure. He cherishes his medals as they represent the fact that he works really hard, believes in himself, and loves and respects his sport.

  • Motivational Topics Include:

    ·Bouncing Back and Rising from the Ashes
    ·Canadian Pride
    ·Focus and Determination
  • Anyone who has heard Adam knows about his passion for sports. But in addition to being a gifted athlete, he also has a talent for communicating with others. The David Suzuki Foundation was privileged to have him speak at one of our events. I hope it won't be the last time I hear him.
    David Suzuki