My favorite quote is “pain is inevitable, suffering is optional” - it’s all about how you perceive hard work. The human body is capable of reaching amazing limits if you dial into your inner voice, paired with the right amount of practice. It might seem a little bit crazy, but it gives me peace of mind knowing that I can achieve anything by sticking to a strict training plan and continually learning to mentally push through it.

Like many Canadian kids, I grew up playing hockey. I had a dream that one day I would become a professional hockey player and make it in the NHL. From the time I could lace up my skates, hockey was my ride-or-die sport. With the nature of the full contact sports, too many hits to my head became a serious wake-up call. I had to stop playing for the sake of my mental health. I should have quit sooner, but I wasn’t ready to give up on 16 years of dedicated effort. I had to walk away from my dream. No longer could I even let myself start the day thinking “how am I going to be a better hockey player?”

I still had that fire and drive within me, but after I hung up my skates, I had to channel that energy into a different outlet. I transitioned into crossfit, track and field, and cycling. With an athletic upbringing as my backbone, transitioning into different athletic capabilities helped positively propel me forward after having to give up on what once was my all-encompassing dream. Although I was still training, I didn’t know which direction it would take me.

When I started school at The University of Lethbridge, I joined the track team to continue participating in sports and 'keep my head in the game'. I first learned about RBC Training Ground from my friend Sarah Orban (whose success in the program got the attention of Canada's cycling federation). The program is targeted for athletes 14-25 years old, with the idea that the various sports federations will pick up on their potential talent and start training them for the Olympic Games.

I didn’t think much of the program, but I also thought 'why not, I love a good challenge'. Myself and a couple of buddies rented a car and made the trek down to Calgary to measure our physical endurance. They put us through a number of rigorous tests that measure speed, strength, agility, endurance, and power. At one point I pushed so hard on the arm leg bike that I considered asking a medic to standby. I fell to the ground incapacitated, but it paid off in the end.

I ended up winning the competition!

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No Human is Limited

I'm Here To Win

The Humble Son

My Incredible Journey

The Most Interesting Man In The World

Season 3