By Dan Plouffe
Of all the coaches, athletes, and officials headed to the London Olympics from the nation’s capital, it’s safe to say no one has seen more Games than John Hawes.
The Stittsville resident began his Olympic career as a swimmer in 1972, then switched to modern pentathlon for the 1976 Montreal Games. He’s since returned many times as a coach, but there’s no question which role he’d prefer to have if given the choice.
“You can control it more yourself (as an athlete). It’s up to you,” explains the pentathlon national team coach. “You’ve put the work in, you’re at a certain level, and now you’re there to put in a performance that you can control.
“I like having control, and as a coach, you don’t have quite as much.”
Hawes fancies his job in London as part coach, part logistics coordinator and part therapist for his two London-bound pentathletes – Donna Vakalis and Ottawa’s Melanie McCann.
The Ravens of Carleton swim club owner recites their day-to-day movement plans like it’s written on the back of his hand, although one detail that still needs to be ironed out is how and when his athletes will be able to get a fencing lesson.
It’s an unusual luxury to have, but it’s possible since Paul ApSimon of Ottawa Fencing also happens to be Canadian fencing team leader.
“They get two for the price of one,” ApSimon chuckles. “It’s a good deal. The schedule works perfect.”
ApSimon wants to enjoy the moment at his second Olympics. He was fencing team leader for the 2000 Sydney Games, but his first Olympic experience is all a blur in his mind.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” notes the RA Centre-based coach. “It’s the Olympics. It’s the ultimate goal. That’s what we work towards as coaches and athletes. I’m very proud to be a part of the team.
“It’s literally taken up the past six months of my life, the preparation for qualifying and then for the Olympics. It’s amazing, but it’s also a huge sacrifice.”
Other top officials from Ottawa headed to London include track-and-field national team relay coach Glenroy Gilbert – the 1996 4×100-metre relay gold medalist in Atlanta – and Caroline Sharp, the manager of sport communications for the Canadian Olympic Committee.
To get an idea of how massive a task it is to send a team of Olympians overseas, have a look at Ottawa city councillor Mathieu Fleury’s role. Fleury is one of 10 outfitters charged with dressing the Olympic team in official HBC gear.
His team will pack 641 bags of clothing, with 21 items per bag – all size-specific for each participant. If a T-shirt doesn’t fit, they’ve got a seamstress ready and waiting to fix it.
“My expertise in terms of clothing is zero, but my interest in the Olympics is 100,” notes Fleury, who will fill a volunteer position while taking three weeks vacation from his job in Ottawa. “Anything to help our athletes.”
The 26-year-old began his career in the Canadian sport system and wants to maintain that connection, although he also sees a use in his political life.
“There’s an advantage for the City for me to see what major Games hosting is all about,” explains the Rideau-Vanier official. “At some point, we’re going to host a big, international-level Games. The last one was in 2001 for the Jeux de la Francophonie. We’re due.”