Horner welcomes opportunity as athlete rep

*Courtesy of www.swimming.ca

MONTREAL - Two-time Olympian Stephanie Horner of Montreal has been named chair of the Swimming Canada Athletes Council.

The 24-year-old brings a mix of experience that made her an excellent choice for the role, which also includes representing athletes on the Swimming Canada selection committee.

“I’m extremely pleased to announce that Stephanie has enthusiastically agreed to come on board and jump into this role,” said John Atkinson, Swimming Canada’s high performance director.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity and the timing was right,” said the national team veteran, who replaces outgoing rep Brian Johns.

Horner is working as an intern with TD Waterhouse while continuing her training with the Pointe-Claire Swim Club. She is bilingual and has experience training in three different provinces at the club level, as well as in the National Swim Centre environment and in both Canadian and American universities. 

“In hindsight those are great experiences that set her up for this role. She’s also extremely personable and easily approachable,” Atkinson said.

Horner plans to complete her Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Victoria this summer, with a push for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro still on the radar.

“I understand that my journey was my own, and that my priorities kept alternating between my athletics and my academics. It is all about personal choices, and the experience one gains from it,” Horner said. “In that sense, I can acknowledge that I do have some understanding of the sport, and what it takes to be a successful athlete. The idea of contributing to my sport and helping another generation is close to my heart.”