Public forum: Andrew Willows

After walking into the closing ceremonies at the 2004 Olympics, I was certain that I wanted to compete again at the Olympic Games. In 2004, it was not realistic to think that we would return home as Olympic medalists; being there was a huge accomplishment in itself. But once the thrill of the Games had passed, I decided that if I was going to commit to another four years of high performance training, I was also going to commit to the goal of winning the Olympic Games.

In order to achieve this significant goal, some of my basic beliefs had to change. In Athens, I watched my teammate Adam van Koeverden win two Olympic medals. Until then, I believed that the international competition that I competed against was too strong for me to ever beat. Watching Adam win changed this belief. I was training and competing with him daily and he was one of the best in the world. Keeping that in mind, I started to believe that I could win as well.

Changing this single core belief has transformed my athletic career. I no longer consider any of my competitors as superior athletic machines. I believe, as champions, we are simply trying our best to achieve perfection in our sport. This can be broken down precisely into five sub-categories: technique, strength, endurance, mental focus, and balance. Over the next eight months, I will share with you how the emphasis changes between the sub-categories to ensure I attain perfection at the Olympics.

For the month of January, I am currently at home in Montreal. Since the holidays, my training has been based on strength, endurance, and balance. I cross-country ski an average of 2.5 hours per day, along with an hour and a half in the gym six days a week. While I love to cross country ski, I must admit that driving an hour up north to ski every day is getting tiring and expensive. But I know that my endurance training from skate skiing is second to none, which makes it all worthwhile.

My strength coach, Jonathan Patenuade of Athletic Training Performance (ATP), is pushing me like never before. Since the beginning of fall, I have gained five pounds of muscle, and I am leaner than ever.

At the beginning of February, I will be leaving for the Canadian National team spring training camp in Melbourne, Fla. This year, I will be away from home for five months in preparation for the Olympics. Therefore, to ensure I maintain balance in my life, I am spending as much quality time with my wife as I can before I leave. Unfortunately, she cannot travel with me, and I thank her for unconditionally supporting my dream.

While it is hard not to be nervous for this upcoming year, I always remind myself to try my best everyday with the hope that we will have a perfect race at the Olympics in August. It is my hope that you will find my journey to the Olympic Games exciting and that you will be proud to be a part of it. As a Canadian athlete and member of Pointe Claire Canoe Club, I could not have made it this far without the support and assistance of my community and country. For this, I am extremely thankful.