Canadian Olympic Foundation
The Next Gen is Here – Update on RBC Training Ground
RBC Training Ground has just progressed past the half way point of regional finals across Canada and the talent of the Next Generation of Canadian athletes is looking stronger than ever!
Kayden Johnson, RBC Training Ground Top Performer Manitoba/Saskatchewan Photo: Kevin Light
With Canada becoming world renowned for our top athletes and our power to podium in international competitions, having a steady pipeline of young athletes is imperative to our future success.
RBC Training Ground is currently in its third year and has already had their regional finals in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Toronto.
RELATED: RBC Training Ground is helping give the Next Generation of Canadian athletes that extra edge
Let’s take this moment to introduce you to our roster of regional winners so far this year.
Madison Grant, RBC Training Ground, Richmond, BC – Photo: Kevin Light
Madison Grant – British Columbia Regional Winner
Madison Grant came out on top as the overall best performer after a series of tests aimed identify young athletes ages 14-25 with Olympic potential. Grant excelled in a series of endurance tests, standing out in the bike sprint and strength tests.
RELATED:RBC Training Ground announces British Columbia top performer
The 17-year-old was nominated by Rugby Canada to attend RBC Training Ground, but by the end of the regional final she had caught the attention of cycling and rowing scouts.
Madison, a native of Cornwall, Ontario, moved to BC in September in order train full time for rugby as part of the Rugby Canada Academy.
Gavin Broadhead, RBC Training Ground top performer, Calgary 2018
Gavin Broadhead – Alberta Regional Winner
Gavin Broadhead, a former Western Hockey League player and current CrossFit athlete, was awarded top prize at the event that identifies young athletes with Olympic potential through a series of power, speed, strength and endurance-based tests. Several sports organizations took notice of Broadhead’s outstanding athletic talent, with special interest from Speed Skating Canada.
RELATED: RBC Training Ground announces Alberta top performer
Originally from Hay River, Northwest Territories, 23-year-old Broadhead is currently attending school in Lethbridge, Alberta. Invited by 2017 winner Sarah Orban, he made the trek to Calgary with three friends who rented a car to get to the event. Broadhead was the best overall performer and tied for first in the endurance arm leg bike.
Kayden Johnson, RBC Training Ground Top Performer Manitoba/Saskatchewan Photo: Kevin LIght
Kayden Johnson – Manitoba/Saskatchewan Regional Winner
Kayden Johnson was awarded top prize at the event that identifies young athletes with Olympic potential through a series of power, speed, strength and endurance-based tests. Several sports organizations took notice of Johnson’s outstanding athletic talent, including Cycling Canada, Bobsleigh Skeleton Canada and Rugby Canada.
RELATED: RBC Training Ground names Manitoba and Saskatchewan top performer
Originally from Kerrobert, Saskatchewan, 22-year-old Johnson is currently attending York University in Toronto, Ontario. He learned about the program by training in the same facility as 2016 winner Pierce LePage.
His background in sport varies from Varsity track (hurdles 60m, indoor, 110 outdoor) to football. He also attended the Junior Pan American Cup with Athletics Canada and the World Junior Championships for Football.
Sara Villani, RBC Training Ground Top Performer, Ontario Regional Final Photo: Kevin Light
Sara Villani – Ontario Regional Winner
Sara Villani not only broke the RBC Training Ground National Strength Record for women, but she also walked away with the top prize at the event. RBCTG identifies young athletes with Olympic potential through a series of power, speed, strength and endurance-based tests.
Several sports organizations took notice of Villani’s outstanding athletic talent, including Cycling Canada, Bobsleigh Skeleton Canada, Rowing Canada and Rugby Canada.
RELATED: RBC Training Ground Crowns Ontario Top Performer
Originally from Norval, Ontario, 22-year-old Villani is currently attending Kings University College at The University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario.
Villani competed for two seasons on her track team doing pentathlon and has been training at the University of Toronto in Javelin.
Congratulations to our winners and best of luck to those competing in the remainder of RBC Training Ground! There are two more Regional Finals left in this year’s program taking place in Montréal, Québec and Halifax, Nova Scotia along with several qualifiers across Canada.
Registration for RBC Training Ground and event information for all events is available at RBCTrainingGround.ca
