Bangkok, Thailand – May 9th, 2024 – Team Canada has landed in Bangkok and wasted no time diving into their rigorous training regimen as they gear up for the highly anticipated 2nd World Qualifier. With sights set on securing coveted spots for the Paris Olympics, these elite athletes are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for excellence.

The training camp, scheduled from May 8th to May 21st, will serve as a pivotal moment for honing skills, refining strategies, and fostering camaraderie among teammates.

The following athletes are spearheading Canada’s charge towards Olympic glory:

* 50kg Mckenzie Wright, ON

* 54kg Scarlett Delgado, ON

* 57kg Marie Al-Ahmadieh, QC

* 60kg Terris Smith, BC

* 66kg Sara Kali, QC

* 75kg Tammara Thibeault, QC

* 57kg Victor Tremblay, QC

* 63.5kg Keoma-Ali Al-Ahmdieh, QC

* 63.5kg Wyatt Sanford, QC

* 71kg Junior Petanqui, QC

* 80kg Keven Beausejour, QC

* 92kg+ Doni Foreman, ON

* Coach Samir El Mais

* Coach Vincent Auclair

* Tour Manager Andréane Parent

 

Tammara Thibeault and Wyatt Sanford have already secured their berths for the Olympics following their outstanding performances at the 2023 Pan Am Games, where they clinched gold medals. They, along with Keoma-Ali Al-Ahmadieh and Coach Auclair, will return to Montreal post-camp to intensify their preparations specifically tailored for Paris. Vincent Auclair says that “specific preparation for Paris is critical. We have a strong plan and are confident that we can optimize Tamm and Wyatt for Paris based on the successes they had at the World Championships and Pan Am Games.”

The remaining athletes will compete in the final World Qualifying tournament starting May 24th. “The team will be well-prepared for the conditions of the tournament. Having the international camp, and then the competition, in the same general location will focus our preparations”, says Coach El Mais who will lead the team through the tournament, and who cornered Tammara Thibeault at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo when she finished 5th, and that the 2022 World Championships where she won the Gold.

With stiff competition ahead, these athletes understand the magnitude of the challenge and are determined to secure their tickets for the Paris Olympics by a top-three or top-four finish, depending on their weight category. “Just qualifying for the Olympics under the intense international qualification system is a major feat. We look forward to supporting our athletes to demonstrate all the hard work they have done in preparation for this precise moment”, says High Performance Director Kraig Devlin.

Stay tuned as Team Canada embarks on this exhilarating journey, exemplifying the spirit of resilience, dedication, and excellence that defines Canadian sportsmanship.

Posted on: May 9, 2024