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Olympian says challenge was a connection to another era continued from p.3 "We also wanted to have some iconic figures of the past like Jesse Owens and Mark Spitz. Pan Am champion and world bronze medallist Andre De Gasse challenges Jesse Owens mark of 10.3 seconds from the 1936 Olympics on a dirt track with no starting blocks and recreated 1930s running shoes. American cyclist Sarah Hammer, German swimmer Paul Biedermann and German javelin thrower Christina Obergföll were also put to the test. Van Koeverden was matched up against six-time Olympic champion Gert Fredriksson of Sweden. The Oakville native's world record time of one minute, 35.55 seconds in the 500m from the Beijing Olympics still stands today. His challenge was to beat Fredriksson's best time of 2:14.20. To level the playing field, Jeremy Ward of the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough, restored a kayak from the same era in which Fredriksson competed. And while the wider, wood kayak forced van Koeverden to alter his paddling style, the flat-bladed paddle proved to be the biggest challenge. When Haake suggests van Koeverden looks good as he warms up, coach Larry Cain suggests otherwise. "He looks good for about 10 strokes, then he has to stop and adjust," he says. "I don't think it's comfortable. While some athletes were able to beat the athletes of the past, others were not. The one constant was their competitive nature. "Each and every one them, when presented with the challenge of beating a champion from the past, they didn't take half measures," Lang said. "They tried hard to beat them because they are competitors." Van Koeverden, upon hearing his time from Haake, says he could take five seconds off with a little more practice. But just as important as his time was the opportunity to experience what paddlers from other eras faced. "Sitting in the old boat was a great feeling," he says. "I feel like I got more out of it than just some good training today. It was a real connection to something from another era." 5 | Thursday, March 3, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com DIAMOND DIAMOND SAVE NOW *Cut out this ad and save 10% on your food bill ONLY VAILD AT 1011 Uppermiddle Rd East, Oakville ON (DINE IN ONLY) This coupon is only valid at 1011 Uppermiddle Rd E in Oakville ON. This coupon entitles you to 10% off your food bill before tax. Only one coupon per table. Taxes extra. No cash value. Expires on April 1, 2016. DINE IN ONLY Voted Best Accountant by Oakville Beaver Readers for 9 Consecutive Years CPA, CA, MBA, B. Eng Ricky W Wong For more information please check our website www.rickywong.ca · Accounting · Auditing · Taxation 1200 Speers Rd., Unit 32, Oakville, Ont. L6L 2X4 (905) 845 - 1408 | Fax (905) 845 - 5931 INJURED? I Can Help! Hospice Visiting and Bereavement Peer Support Volunteers Needed YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY UNLESS I GET YOU MONEY My team of experienced lawyers can help you with: · Car accidents · Slip and Falls · Disability Claims (Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, CPP) · Wrongful Dismissal OFFICES IN OAKVILLE AND TORONTO For a free consultation call: Oakville: 905.842.2022 or Toronto: 416.351.9222 email: sspadafora@slspc.ca PLATINUM Experience the joy of making a difference when it's needed the most. TraiNiNg begiNs iN april Contact Mary Schnurr 905-827-8800 x 2319 mschnurr@acclaimhealth.ca Acclaim Health provides nursing and personal support services under contract with Community Care Access Centres in accordance with their programs and service guidelines. Funded in part by the Mississauga Halton Local Health Integration Network (MH LHIN) and the Government of Ontario. The views expressed in this publication are the views of Acclaim Health and do not necessarily reflect those of the LHIN or the Government of Ontario. Funded in part by the United Way. Exemplary standing with Accreditation Canada achieved. Sam Spadafora Injury and Employment Law