Simon Whitfield

Topics

Presentations

The Gold is in the Details

Getting Right Back Up

Summary Profile

Not once, but twice, Simon Whitfield has thrilled Canadians with a ‘back of the pack’ finish to win Olympic medals in both Beijing and Sydney, and be recognized as one of the best in the world in his triple-focus sport. In 2008, Canadians watched as near the end of the Triathlon, Whitfield was squarely in 4th place, and it didn’t look like he was going to medal at all.  But perseverance, faith and training came on strong, and he pushed forward to earn a Silver medal.

In 2000, again from the back of the pack, Kingston-born Simon Whitfield turned on the speed at the 2000 Sydney Olympics to win the first ever Olympic Gold Medal in the triathlon and capture the hearts of people all over the country. Even after Whitfield was among about 15 riders who crashed on the final lap of the bike race through Sydney's streets, and Canadians thought the race was over for Whitfield. Canadian spirits soared with Simon Whitfield’s determination and a brilliant finishing kick to run away with a spirited upset win in the men's triathlon.

In his own words:
“Be relentless, be obsessed. Get obsessed, stay obsessed. The Gold is in the details"

The proud Canadian spent his childhood attending school in Kingston and playing a variety of sports in the area until he was seventeen years old. What sticks out most in his mind when he did his first triathlon at Sharbot Lake, Ont., in 1987 was the fun. He was just 12 at the time. “I raced in a pair of boxer shorts that had little cows on them.”

Multitalented Whitfield has mastered the three sports of the triathlon. In the Olympics, the triathlon is 1.5-kilometre swim, followed by a 40-kilometre bike race and ending with a 10-kilometre run.

With a youthful and energetic character he believes the sport of triathlon is truly about enjoying the sport and not taking oneself too seriously. And we can all learn from that in whatever we do.

Client Testimonials

"Simon is an inspiration to many Canadians. We believe his example of commitment, perseverance and supporting his community will inspire others to do the same."

MS Society National President and Chief Executive