Former weightlifter Christine Girard has been named Canada’s chef de mission for the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, which will take place from October 20 to November 5, 2023.
The Canadian Olympic Committee made the announcement Thursday at the Institut national du sport du Québec.
Girard, a native of Elliot Lake, Ont., but raised in Rouyn-Noranda, has represented Canada at several international competitions, including the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and London in 2012.
“I am so grateful and thrilled to have been named Team Canada’s Chef de Mission for the Santiago 2023 Games,” Girard said in a statement. When I look back on my own career, I still fondly remember the Heads of Mission who supported me. One of my objectives as head of mission is to give the same to the following. »
It was in London that she became Canada’s first weightlifting medalist after capturing bronze at 63 kg. However, this medal was transformed into a gold record when, three years later, a new round of doping tests pinned the two athletes who had beaten her.
The following year, in 2016, she learned that her fourth place at the Beijing Games had instead turned into a bronze medal, following the exclusion of another weightlifter.
What she experienced led Girard to become an ambassador and a committed spokesperson for safe, fair and ethical sport. She is also the education ambassador for the International Testing Agency and a member of the anti-doping commission of the International Weightlifting Federation.
“Christine’s historic accomplishments in sport, along with her leadership, integrity and advocacy for clean sport, make her the perfect fit for this position. Team Canada athletes heading to these Pan Am Games will be in very good hands with Christine as Chef de Mission,” said Tricia Smith, President of the Canadian Olympic Committee.
Girard, 38, also won a gold medal (2011) and a silver medal (2007) at the Pan American Games.