Brian Trafford
Track and Road Cyclist

Growing up, I was involved in all kinds of sports, but my passion was downhill skiing. In the summer of 2009, at age 16, I participated in the 80 km multiple sclerosis fundraiser on my hybrid bike. I finished first and caught the racing bug.

I joined the Ottawa Bicycle Club and signed up for the racing program. My first year was really tough as most junior racers had been at it for a while and were pretty fast. I was stubborn and stuck with it. The highlight was representing Ontario at the Track Nationals in August in Burnaby. I came away with some top 10 results - and exceeded everyone's expectations!

My second year as a junior, I combined my growing strength, speed and experience with fierce determination. I started winning provincial road races and time trials, finishing second overall in the O-Cup series. I was also a proud member of Team Ontario at Le Tour de l'Abitibi stage race. I came away with medals at the provincial road time trial championships and provincial track championships. The highlight of the season was Track Nationals in Bromont. My mates and I earned silver in the team pursuit, and I earned gold in the points race - the most exciting race I've ever won!

As a first-year senior in 2011, I joined the new Fresh Air Experience/OBC team. We gained valuable experience racing against top riders across eastern Canada and the U.S. I was also a member of Team Ontario in the Pro/1 category at the Green Mountain Stage Race in Vermont. I earned several medals at the provincial track championships and in the provincial time trial. A personal highlight was my aggressive riding with the elite men at Track Nationals. I finished several races in the top ten, most importantly fourth in the Scratch race, fifth in the Points race and eighth in the Omnium.

I am now more driven than ever to continue to develop in both road and track racing. I hope to make the national track development team, gain further ground in road racing and get some international experience. Long term goals include the Canada Games in 2013, PanAm Games in Toronto/Hamilton in 2015 and my biggest goal: to represent Canada at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Thanks to everyone who has helped on this journey over the past three years. I have had great teammates, the best coaches and the best of friends. We also have great support from many people who volunteer their time and knowledge to help others in their development. I couldn't have done it without them! Ottawa is a great city for cycling.

The QUEST FOR GOLD funding helped me a lot during this steep first year as a senior rider. It allowed me to train in Florida over the winter, travel to London for track, cover coaching fees and buy equipment. I could not have pursued my goals without this support. Thank you.

Ali Dzikowski

Ali Dzikowski, an accomplished basketball athlete from Brantford, has represented Ontario in the Canadian Nationals and has also competed internationally as part of the National Elite Development Program (NEDA). Funding from the QUEST FOR GOLD program has allowed Ali to participate in key competitions that bring her closer to her goal.

HIGH PERFORMANCE TRAINING
"The QUEST FOR GOLD program has enabled me to work with a personal high performance trainer during rehabilitation for knee injuries. The intensive physiotherapy helped bring me back to playing at a high level. QUEST FOR GOLD has also allowed me to fully focus on training without worrying about funding my education. Thanks QUEST FOR GOLD!"

Hilary Stellingwerff

In the Huron region, the QUEST FOR GOLD program directly funds world-class athlete Hilary Stellingwerff. Hilary is a member of the Canadian track and field team and has represented Canada on seven senior national teams, including the 2010 Commonwealth Games team in New Delhi, India. Funding from the QUEST FOR GOLD program has allowed Hilary to participate in key competitions that bring her closer to her goal. She now has her sights set on competing at the 2012 Olympics in London, England.

EXCEL IN TRACK AND FIELD

"QUEST FOR GOLD funding has been crucial in assisting my athletic pursuits and, without it, I wouldn't be able to do all that is necessary to get to the world-class level. The funding has allowed me to train up to 20 hours each week as a full-time athlete plus attend teachers' college and essential competitions. I am so grateful for the support from QUEST FOR GOLD."

Julian Baird

In the Hamilton region, Julian Baird, a wheelchair basketball player from Stoney Creek, is a QUEST FOR GOLD athlete. From the age of 13 as a member of the Golden Horseshoe Disabled Sports Association in Burlington, Julian, who is a gold medal swimmer, has pursued excellence. Funding from the QUEST FOR GOLD program has allowed Julian to participate in key competitions that will bring him closer to his goals. Julian now has his sights set on competing in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
"I love the feeling of wind going through my hair as I swerve around opponents while speeding down the court, an experience that would not be possible without the help of QUEST FOR GOLD. Fees for training facilities, equipment and travel add up fast and QUEST FOR GOLD helped me pursue excellence in wheelchair basketball by assisting with my training costs."

Kristin Gauthier

Kristen Gauthier, an athlete from Ottawa, is supported through the program. Funding from the QUEST FOR GOLD program has allowed Kristin to participate in key competitions such as the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Kristin is a 23-time Canadian canoe/kayak flatwater champion with ten international medals and she is currently training to represent Canada at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, England.

WORLD CLASS COMPETITOR
"I have been a recipient of QUEST FOR GOLD funding since 2006. The program has been a tremendous support in alleviating financial stress so that I can focus on training and competing with the best in the world."

Richard MacLennan

Richard MacLennan, a speed skater from Sault Ste. Marie is supported through the QUEST FOR GOLD program. Richard, a member of Canada's National Development Team, was named Overall Canadian Junior Champion in 2009 and won two silver medals at the 2010 World Junior Championships. Funding from the QUEST FOR GOLD program has allowed Richard to participate in key competitions that bring him closer to his goal.

STRIVING TO BE THE BEST
"QUEST FOR GOLD has helped me get to where I am today in my sport. QUEST FOR GOLD funding has helped with my living expenses while training at the Calgary Olympic Oval, attend training camps and purchase equipment. I am extremely grateful for this financial support."

Larisa Yurkiw

Larisa Yurkiw, an Alpine skier from Owen Sound, is supported through the QUEST FOR GOLD program. Larisa is the 2008 Canadian National Champion in Downhill and Super G Events and took second place in the World Junior Championship Combined Event. She also placed among the top ten women skiers in the world in the 2009 World Cup Downhill competition in Tarvisio, Italy. Funding from the QUEST FOR GOLD program has allowed Larisa to participate in key competitions that bring her closer to her goal.

DREAMS COME TRUE
"The support from QUEST FOR GOLD enables me to make my dreams come true. From gym memberships to nutrition on the road, QUEST FOR GOLD is behind me all the way."

David Grenier

David Grenier, a sledge hockey player from Windsor, is directly supported through the program. Funding from the QUEST FOR GOLD program has allowed David to participate in key competitions that bring him closer to his goal.

MAKING DREAMS A REALITY
"My dream is to play sledge hockey for my country. My goal is to be the best athlete I can be. My quest is to play at the highest level of my sport. QUEST FOR GOLD will enable me to acquire the training and equipment to make my dreams possible."