Waterloo alumnus going for Olympic gold again

Greg Westlake has already experienced the glory of winning an Olympic gold and he wants nothing less when he leads Canada’s National sledge hockey team in Sochi.

“Anything less than a gold medal will be disappointing,” says Westlake, who won a gold at the Paralympic Games in Torino in 2006. “We have the talent and drive to win a gold medal, so I know in my heart that if we don't get that, then we probably under-performed.”

The determination Westlake has to compete at the highest level of his sport, is the same drive that helped him complete a degree at the University of Waterloo. Balancing his studies at Waterloo with a demanding training and game schedule wasn’t always easy.

He was driven to graduate despite demanding training regime

While other players were napping or playing cards on long plane rides to tournaments, Westlake used the time to do his readings and work on school assignments.

In 2011, he graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. “I was driven to complete school and be a high-level hockey player at the same time because when my playing days are over, I want to be ready to move on to whatever is next,” he says.

Westlake, who had both of his feet amputated when he was 18 months old, said his drive comes from family and friends who push him to be the best he can be. “At first it was just myself that wanted to succeed,” says Westlake. “As I get older, I am realizing the role that those around you play in your success.”

Westlake family featured in Proctor & Gamble video

In October, Proctor & Gamble posted a video describing his mother’s journey of raising an Olympian. “I always looked at my role with Greg as helping him accept the reality of his situation but not be limited by it,” said Westlake’s mother, Deborah.

For the 2014 games, Westlake looks beyond his limitations and focuses his training on the little things. A healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding peer pressure may be able to make a big difference for Westlake.

“All of these things seem small, but when you try to be a great athlete while eating junk and sleeping 5 hours a night, it just doesn't work,” says Westlake. “I just want to leave no stone unturned on my quest for a gold medal.”

Watch Westlake compete in the ice sledge hockey preliminary tournament starting March 8.