Today, August 5, 2016 marks the opening of the 2016 RIO Olympic Games, and Oakville will be well represented with six amazing athletes: Adam van Koeverden, Mark Oldershaw, Diana Matheson, Cristy Nurse, Mack Darragh and Lee Parkhill.
We wanted to thank these talented men and women who have worked so hard for so many years to make it to RIO 2016, so we asked our public representatives to express their good wishes.
“Adam, Mark, Diana, Lee, Mack and Cristy are all accomplished athletes who have been fantastic representatives for their country – and their community – on the world stage,” said Mayor Rob Burton. “I wish them all the best as a very proud hometown prepares to cheer them on in Rio.”
“We are all incredibly proud that Oakville is sending six amazing athletes to represent Canada at the Rio Olympics. These young women and men are role models for youth in our community who are training on the very fields, waters and venues where these athletes started their careers. Along with the residents of Oakville, I will be glued to the TV waving my Canadian Flag cheering them on as they compete.” John Oliver, Member of Parliament for Oakville.
"I am extremely proud of the athletes that are going to the Olympics from Oakville. Whether competing for the first time, or a veteran like my friend Adam van Koeverden, I know I join all Oakville residents in wishing each athlete all the best as they take the world stage in their sport." Pam Damoff, Member of Parliament for Oakville North Burlington.
Here is a brief bio on each of Oakville’s Olympic athletes for Rio 2016, and when they will be competing:
Adam van Koeverden is Oakville’s most celebrated Olympians heading down to Rio having been the first Canadian Paddler to win medals in the previous 4 Olympic Games. Adam is 34 years old and will be competing in Kayak and Canoe. He can regularly be seen working out on the 16 Mile Creek. You can follow him via twitter @vankayak. Adam will compete in the K1 1,000 which will take place on August 16, 2016 at 9:00 AM.
Mark Oldershaw will be returning to the Olympics in canoeing, as well as continuing the family Olympic legacy which started with his grandfather in 1948. He is the fifth member of the family to compete at the Olympic level. Like Adam you can see Mark paddling on the 16 Mile Creek. You can follow him via twitter @MarkOldershaw. Mark will compete in the C1 1,000 which will take place on August 16, 2016 at 8:00 AM.
Diana Matheson first competed in Beijing, but will always be remembered for scoring the winning goal in London 2012, which gave Canada the Bronze. Diana is 32 years old and will be competing for Canada in soccer. She played for the Oakville Soccer Club, who will undoubtedly be cheering her on. You can follow her via twitter @dmatheson8. The Canadian Women's Soccer Team already has two points, and will play next on August 6, 2016, against Australia.
Cristy Nurse will be competing in rowing in Rio. She has been a member of Team Canada’s rowing team for 5 world championships in the women’s eight. She has been on the medal podium each time, and only missed the London Olympics due to a herniated disc. Cristy is 29 years old. At this time she does not have a twitter handle. Cristy and her team will start competition on August 10, 2016 at 8:50 AM.
Lee Parkhill first competed for Canada at the Toronto Pan Am Games, where he was awarded the bronze medal in Sailing. As a born Oakvillian, he started sailing lessons at age 8. It was a natural since his whole family was involved in sailing. Lee is 27 years old. You can follow Lee on twitter @LeeParkhill. Lee will be competing in Men's Lasers on August 8, 2016 at 12:05 PM.
Mack Darragh will compete in his first Olympics in swimming. He is the youngest of the pack of athletes from Oakville at 23, but started competitively swimming at age 7. He won a 2011 FINA World Junior Championship bronze medal when he first represented Canada internationally. You can follow him via twitter @mackdarragh. Swimming the 200M Butterfly, Mack first heat should be on August 8, 2016 at 10:10 PM.