Leslie Thompson-Willie: An inspiring Olympian with a Student Vote connection |
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| August 2nd, 2012 by Student Vote | Leave Comments » |
Last week, we wrote about inspiring Olympic moments as the 2012 Summer Games began in London. Over the last week we have been inspired by seven medals from the Canadian team (two silver, five bronze), as well as by great performances by other athletes from around the world.
One of those Canadian medals came from the women’s eights rowing team. The story of their coxswain, Lesley Thompson-Willie is remarkable – and provides a connection to Student Vote.
Thompson-Willie is 53, and the London 2012 games are her seventh Olympics (she made her first Olympic appearance in 1984). Over the length of her career, Thompson-Willie has won five rowing medals:
- 1984 (Los Angeles): Silver in the women’s coxed fours
- 1992 (Barcelona): Gold in the women’s eights
- 1996 (Atlanta): Silver in the women’s eights
- 2000 (Sydney) : Bronze in the women’s eights
- 2012 (London): Silver in the women’s eights
Deservedly, Thompson-Willie was elected to the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame in 1994.
However, rowing is not Thompson-Willie’s only career. She is also a teacher-librarian at London South Collegiate in London, Ontario.
London South Collegiate Institute took part in the 2011 Ontario Student Vote, where they elected Liberal Chris Bentley as MPP for London West. In the 2006 federal Student Vote, London South elected NDP candidate Gina West.
Lesley Thompson-Willie has dedicated her life to both athletics and education and has fulfilled the London 2012 Olympic motto “Inspire a Generation.”
Which Olympian has inspired you the most?
Dan
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