Katie Vincent (2013, ON) was sparking greatness for Team Ontario in canoe kayak at the Sherbrooke 2013 Canada Summer Games.

Just over a decade later, she has already been to the Olympics, and plans to be there again.

“My goal for the next few years is to compete for Canada at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” Vincent said. “After that, I plan to continue my career in sprint canoe for the LA 2028 Olympic Games.”

Vincent said her first Olympic experience was one she’ll never forget, because it wasn’t just a first for her, but for the entire sport as well.

“I am most proud of competing at the Tokyo Olympics and being the first woman to canoe at the Olympic Games,” she said. “It was really special to be part of that moment of gender equity at the Olympics and to see our sport grow even more.”

Vincent won bronze in Tokyo in the women’s C-2 500m with fellow Canada Games alum Laurence Vincent Lapointe (2009, QC).

More recently, Vincent competed in the same race at the Santiago 2023 Pan Am Games with another Canada Games alum, Sloan MacKenzie (2022, NS), this time claiming gold.

With her success in Santiago, Vincent found herself in a familiar position: as one of her team’s flag bearers at the Closing Ceremony.

“My strongest memory from the 2013 Canada Games would be carrying the flag at the Closing Ceremony,” she said. “I had a great week of racing, winning my five events, and carrying the flag on top of that was an extraordinary moment.”

Thinking of the young athletes who are currently training from coast to coast to coast - aiming to follow in her wake en route to the St. John’s 2025 Canada Summer Games and beyond - Vincent provided a simple but important piece of advice.

“Enjoy the journey and cherish the memories and friendships along the way,” she said “These are the days and friendships you will cherish for the rest of your life, so enjoy everything out of competition as much as you enjoy competing.”