6 Friday, June 14, 2024 brooklintowncrier.com In 2018, my daughter appeared in a TV commercial for RBC Training Ground where she played the younger version of an Olympic athlete. After the shoot, the executive in charge of marketing thanked her for participating, adding, "You're really fast. You'll have to come out for the training ground program when you're older." "I can come now," was the excited reply. The executive laughed and invited her to return when she was 14. Fast forward six years and her time has come. On May 11, athletes aged 14 to 25 descended on the Abilities Centre to test their strength, speed, endurance and power. RBC Training Ground is a talent identification and athlete funding program. It's designed to find young athletes with Olympic potential and provide them with the resources to achieve their podium dreams. As one of this year's participants, my daughter was nervous. She signed in and changed into her blue participant t-shirt. She was weighed, her height and wingspan measured, and then she headed to the group warmup. While waiting to get started, she struck up a conversation with another girl her age. They became acquainted and I saw her begin to relax and have fun. The first test was a 20-metre sprint. This was perfect for her to start with as she's speedy. She shot off the mark with determination. When she saw her results, I could see her confidence growing. Next was the vertical jump. After several attempts, she finished with a smile. The third test was strength but her face gave away that the results were not what she had hoped for. The endurance test was last. Similar to the dreaded gym class beep test, she lined up with her group. Next to her was an impressive athlete whom my daughter told me was eight years her senior and, seemingly, two feet taller. The test was tough. As the athletes completed each lap, the onlookers cheered them on. But even as some dropped out, the crowd applauded their efforts. It was such a heart-warming moment seeing everyone finish and wave at the fans. Once she completed the tests we celebrated with a photo. I asked how she felt. "I'm proud of myself," she said. "I did better than I thought I would. Everyone in my group was so great. I hope one of us moves on. I can't wait to see my results." Then she ran over to share the photo with her new friends. What impressed me the most was that in such a competitive environment, there were no egos. I hope one day we'll see one of these local athletes on the Olympic stage. They already embody the Olympic spirit. Brooklin Family Matters: by Leanne Brown Where Olympic Dreams Begin Brooklin is Tanya Tierney Country! Call or Text: 905.706.3131 office@tanyatierneyteam.com 49 Baldwin St. Brooklin *Based on units sold TREB MLS statistics Proudly the #1 Realtor in Brooklin since 2012* 38 Kimberley Dr, Brooklin For Sale!For Sale! 39 Dopp Cres, Brooklin For Sale!For Sale! 22 Harvey Johnston Way, Brooklin For Sale! 54 Mitchell Ave, Brooklin For Sale!For Sale! 116 Homefield Sq, Courtice For Sale!Coming Soon! 7 Burning Springs Pl, Brooklin For Sale!For Sale! 34 Wells Cres, Brooklin Coming Soon! 21 Melody Dr, Brooklin For Sale!For Sale! 106 Montgomery Ave, Brooklin For Sale!For Sale! 219 Summit Dr, Caesarea For Sale!For Sale! 98 Sutherland Ave, Oshawa For Sale! 1211 Plymouth Dr, Oshawa For Sale!For Sale!