One of Canada’s most decorated Olympians, Marnie McBean has been named Canada’s Olympic chef de mission for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Games. In this role, the three-time Olympic gold medallist will act as a spokesperson for Team Canada, mentor athletes, coaches, and staff, as well as work to create an environment conducive to optimal performance.
In an interview with CBC Sports, Marnie said “I’ve wanted this for a long time. I feel like I’ve been preparing for this for a really long time.”
Marnie was the former specialist in Olympic athlete preparation and mentoring for the Canadian Olympic Committee, and is an expert in turning potential into performance. She is still exploring what this new role will look like for her. The 2020 Olympics will take place July 24 to August 9.
She is clear about her performance objectives for Team Canada though — she wants to see results! She also aims to create a safe and welcoming environment for Canadian athletes, and allow space for them to speak openly about their passions outside of sport. She want’s her fellow athletes to appreciate each other for all that they are and be genuine about it.
“The story I want to write here is about being your authentic self in all aspects,” Marnie told CBC Sports. “It’s about embracing your confidence, but also embracing your fears and doubts.”
Watch the video below to see the Canadian Olympic Committee introduce Marnie as the chef de mission in front of the Canada Day crowd at Parliament Hill.
Drawing on her years of experience as a top competitor and her current expertise, Marnie McBean leaves audiences with a recipe for success that can be applied to all endeavours. She is a member of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame as well as an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Her book, The Power of More: How Small Steps Help Us Achieve Big Goals, outlines how the three-time Olympic gold medal rower sets and achieves goals in sports and in life.
Interested in learning more about Marnie and what she can bring to your next event? Email us at [email protected].
