Meagan Duhamel's long journey to the 2014 Sochi Olympics began many years ago in her home community of Lively, when she first laced up her skates as a member of the Walden Figure Skating Club.
On Saturday, Duhamel got a chance to say thank you to the people who supported her through many difficult years, and they got a chance, in turn, to say how proud they are of her.
Making a grand entrance with their families and led by a bagpiper, Duhamel and pairs figure-skating partner Eric Radford were feted at the Anderson Farm Museum, where they signed autographs, posed for pictures and mingled with people who have supported them through the highs and lows of their careers.
“At times it's been overwhelming,” Duhamel said after the ceremony, of the support she's received from her hometown.
Her original goal was to compete in the Vancouver Olympics, with a different partner, but injuries held them back and they didn't qualify.
“When that didn't work out, they were still there,” she said, of the community's support. “It didn't matter, win or lose. It's friends, it's family, it's a big community that sticks together.
“And here we are again today – not only to support going to the Olympics, but to win a medal at the Olympics for the Town of Lively, for Walden and for Sudbury.”
Meagan Duhamel and skating partner Eric Radford were honoured in a ceremony at the Anderson Farm Museum on Saturday. The pair won bronze at the 2013 world championships, and are aiming for a medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Photo by Darren MacDonald.
Since teaming with Radford in 2010, Duhamel has enjoyed success, including winning national championships in 2012 and 2013, winning at the 2013 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships and taking home a bronze medal at the 2013 world championships in London, Ont., in March.
Duhamel said their families have always been there when they needed them, offering support when times were difficult.
“They're the ones who put us on ice; they're the ones who kept us in skating in the times when maybe we wanted to quit or didn't think we could do it,” she said. “They encouraged us to stick with it. So it will be their Olympic moment when we get to go to the Olympics.”
Nickel Belt MPP France Gelinas said she has known Duhamel and her family for a long time.
“I think I speak for everyone here when I say you make us very proud,” Gelinas said. “Like everybody else, I will be watching the 2014 Olympics with one thought in mind – I hope she wins.
“But no matter what you do, we will be proud and we'll continue to cheer you on.”
Ward 5 Coun. Ron Dupuis said Duhamel and Radford have brought honour and recognition to Walden and Greater Sudbury.
“Not too many people realize all of the sacrifices required by the sport Eric and Meagan have chosen,” Dupuis said. “It's a mystery to me how they put such a big heart in a such a little body.
“The determination and the willpower and the perseverance is unbelievable for this little girl ... It doesn't matter where you're from – if you've got the drive and determination of a Meagan Duhamel, you can succeed.”
Ward 2 Coun. Jacques Barbeau, who organized Saturday's event, said it's important to remember how remarkable Duhamel's and Radford's accomplishments are.
“How many people can say they are the best in their community at something?” Barbeau said. “But to be the best in Canada – absolutely amazing. And further to that, to be a bronze medallist in the world. And we know how big the world is. Absolutely incredible.”
In his remarks, Oliver Koski, Meagan's godfather and uncle, made reference to some of the struggles they've faced over the years. Duhamel battled injuries over the years, and, at one point, Radford skated with a broken nose.
“Meagan and Eric have had their share of difficulties, both on and off the ice,” Koskie said. “Some they talk about, some they don't.”
Choking back emotion, Duhamel said the challenges have been difficult, but the support she's received has been constant.
“We've been through the highest of highs and lowest of lows,” she said. “Many of you guys know that my journey, and mine and Eric's journey, has been long, it's been difficult. But next year we plan on not only participating in the Olympics, but to win a medal.
“When we skate in Canada, before they say our name, they always say from the Walden Figure Skating Club. I'll stay true to Walden till the end.”
For his part, Radford said he hoped everyone understood how important a role they have played in the pair's success.
“We literally couldn't have done this without you,” he said. “A huge thank you to Meagan's large, extended family that has always made me feel part of the family.”
And Duhamel said the pair is doing everything necessary preparing for Sochi.
“We're exactly on track to where we wanted to be entering the Olympic season – as medal contenders for the Olympics,” she said. “We're entering as the third-ranked team in the world. And we want to push the Russians, who are ranked as the No. 1 team.”
Nicole Cousineau, rainbow region director of Skate Canada in Northern Ontario, reminded everyone that the Games are drawing near.
“Only 255 days to go,” Cousineau said. “The short program is on Feb. 6; the freeskate will be on Feb. 8. There are still tickets available at the Iceberg Skating Palace. We're told that tickets in the A section are 15,000 rubles, but you can get some in the D sections for 1,500.”
