Lawrence Lemieux

Canada is known for some historic and heroic people. We often think of Tommy Douglas-a leader who started the universal healthcare and did extensive work for mental health reform. Who can forget Terry Fox, a young man who raised more awareness and money for cancer than anyone I can think of. His dedication and courage defied science and he ran over 100 marathons back to back with only one good leg. However being from Edmonton, I thought another name was in order. Yes, Edmonton had a history of being The City of Champions wit the likes of Wayne Gretzky, and currently has a star studded hockey team. But the Heroic Goat in my opinion goes to Lawrence Lemieux.

Lawrence Lemieux is a decorated sailor with a plethora of medals. His most decorated medal in my opinion had nothing to do with his sailing prowess. Let us regress to 1988 where it all happened.

Lawrence Lemieux was in second place in the Olympic final for sailing. His competition was far behind as the storms were rough and many abondoned the race. Lemieux heard the boat representing the Singapore team was in trouble. The boat had capsized and one man had fallen hit his head and was drowning in the torrent waves. Lemieux wasted no time thinking, turned his boat, rescued the men and did not return to the race until the two men were on a rescue boat. His final placing was 22nd instead of second which would have garnered him an Olympic medal.

When asked if he had any regrets in subsequent interviews, he denies it and says not a moment goes by where he thinks he would have chosen Olympic glory. People have now referred to him as a hero. He denies this term too, stating that the most important rule of sailing is to help your fellowmen. While Lemieux's reaction is noble and very down to earth, we also can see a side that is never talked about.

Sailing is not a very decorated sport even in the Olympics. Lemieux who probably worked as hard as any other athlete for twenty five or so years would not have received the same glory that many other's do. However his ultimate selfless act is something people can proudly talk about decades later. The Olympics itself has been filled with controversies. Agree to disagree on the Transgender athletes competing with their Cis counterparts. There have been mass doping cases, Paris' very odd take on the Last Breakfast, and the story that never lets up about Imane Khelif failing gender tests. This story about Lawrence Lemieux is the story I feel embodies the true spirit of the Olympics.

The spirit of the Olympics hs never been about winning. It's no accident that it is selective. The important thing is that while different athletes have different backgrounds, different beliefs and different cultures, the desire to show athletic prowess and compete in the great stage is the same for everyone. There are upsets, defeats, tears of happiness, tears of joy, The taste of bitter defeat, the sweet taste of joy or even the humble feeling of being among the greats. Lawrence Lemieux stepped it up a notch and saved a life while in a race. Not just any race, a race that could have given him a medal. A true hero that should be compared to the giants who have been most decorated winners. He did it so humbly and asked nothing in return. These are the moments our hearts live for, they give us hope for future generations. So Lawrence, take your moment in the sun. God as we see him will reward you too.