Congrats, Canada: Adam van Koeverden (sprint kayaker) and Mark Oldershaw (sprint canoeist) have paddled their way onto the Olympic podium. Both were born in Burlington, and both train at the Burloak Canoe Club in Oakville, Ontario.
Adam van Koeverden is a repeat medalist who has won a medal in all three Olympic Games since 2004, including one gold. He took an early lead in the K-1 1000 meter race, but was ultimately bested by Norway’s Eirik Veras Larsen.
This was Oldershaw’s first medal, but he comes from a long lineage of Olympic athletes. His late grandfather, Bert, made the family’s Olympic debut 64 years ago. His father, Scott, also competed at the Olympic level. Today, he coaches both Adam and Mark.
Amazingly, Mark Oldershaw underwent surgery to remove a cancerous growth on his hand in 2003—often the kiss of death for a canoeist. Today, his perseverance has paid off in a big way. Great job, guys!