One of the happiest moment in Robbi Weldon’s life came last September, when the Thunder Bay tandem cyclist won Paralympic gold.
The visually impaired athlete keeps those memories alive at home visiting local schools, including Crestview Public School, where on Wednesday she retold her tale of perseverance to a gymnasium full of excitement at seeing a world-class cyclist in person.
The message is a simple one, said Weldon, who also represented her country at the Winter Paralympic Games as a skier in Vancouver.
“It’s really exciting. I know growing up any time having an Olympic athlete come and present was few and far between,” Weldon said.
“(I try to make them) realize if they work really hard and they pursue their passion, whether it be sport or art or music, whatever they might want to pursue, that it is doable with hard work and all the supports and they can do it.”
It’s also a lot of fun for Weldon, and a lot less nerve wracking than it once was.
“Six years ago it was intimidating, and I definitely find it a challenge, more challenging than being on the bike or on the skis,” Weldon said. “But I love meeting the kids and they have fantastic questions.”
Weldon regaled the tiny crowd with stories of her career, explaining how fast she and former partner Lynne Bessette reached while training, up to 106 kilometres an hour.
She told them about going blind as a teenager and how that changed her life – but reminded them she never once let it get her down or stop her from achieving her goals. And, of course, she took them through the highs and lows of the London Games, finishing fourth in her first race, only to finish with gold in her finale.
Crestview principal Jo-Anne Giertuga said Weldon’s message of determination and courage was just the type of lesson she wanted her students to learn.
“It’s showing the kids about tenacity and never giving up on your dreams. Obviously what Robbi is talking about is that goal to get there and never letting go of your dreams, no matter what kind of disability you have,” Giertuga said.
“She’s certainly an inspiration to all of us.”
