More about the Olympians

BRUNDY SURIN began his athletic career with the Canadian track and field team by competing in the long jump and triple jump at the 1990 Commonwealth Games.  He made his mark over the next two decades, kicking things off with a 4th place finish in the 100-metre finals at the 1992 Oylmpic Games in Barcelona, then added a gold medal at the 1994 Francophone Games in Paris. At the 1995 World Outdoor championships, Bruny won a silver medal in the 100 metres and helped Canada win the gold medal in the 4x100 metre relay.

Throughout his long and incredibly successful career, Bruny has participated in numberous international competitions including the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, where he helped Canada win a gold medal in the men's 4x100 metre relay. In 1999, Bruny enjoyed the finest outdoor season in his career, which helped him earn a major victory at the World Championships in Spain where he tied the Canadian all-time record in the 100-meter dash.

Bruny has been an ambassador for Montreal Children's Hospital since 1998 and from 1997 to 2000, was an ambassador for the St. Vincent de Paul Society.  When he's off the track, he continues to pursue his interests in acting, modeling and music.

MARNIE McBEAN is one of Canada's most accomplished Olympic athletes.  She is one of only two Canadians ever to have won three Gold medals in the Summer Olympics, striking gold twice in Barcelona and once in Atlanta.  Her overall Olympic and World Championship record is equally impressive: six gold, four silver, two bronze medals.

Along with her partner, Kathleen Heddle, Marnie has been instrumental in turning Canada into a rowing powerhouse.  Years of dedication and thousands of hours of training combined to bring pride and joy to the Olympic program, and the country.  They also set new standards for their sport, and indeed for the Canadian Olympic movement, showing that Canadians could compete successfully against the rest of the world.

Marnie has turned her public speaking skills and infectious enthusiasm to the service of a variety of causes. She is involved with Special Olympics Foundation and Covenant House and has been a national spokesperson for the Kids Help Phone.

Through her year of training, Marnie found time to earn a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from the University of Western Ontario.  Marnie is now a Teamwork Consultant for HomePond Performance, a company that she founded.

She is a member of the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, and a recipient of the Governor General's Meritorious Service Medal.

CHERYL POUNDER marked her first Olympic experience at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games -- and what an incredible way to start.  Cheryl was a member of the Canadian Women's hockey team that brought home Gold from the 2002 Games in Salt Lake City, an event that many proud Canadians will remember for a long time.  Previously, she had played in four World Championships in 1994, 1999, 2000 and 2001 and won four gold medals. Cheryl began her hockey career with Mississauga Girls Hockey in Ontario, and she won a bronze medal with Team Ontario at the 2001 Esso Women's Nationals and a gold medal at the 2000 and 1993 Esso National Women's Hockey Championship.

Cheryl was named Wilfred Laurier University's Female Athlete of the Year in 1997-1998, and Mississauga, Ontario Female Athlete of the Year while in High School.  She also earned an honours degree in Kinesiology at Wilfred Laurier University and when she's not playing hockey she enjoys playing softball and puzzles.

CURT HARNETT is world-class cyclist, born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario.  Curt Harnett started competing at age 16 and represented Canada in four successive Olympic Games from 1984 through to 1996, garnering one silver, and two bronze medals. Canadian sprint champion every year betwen 1989 and 1995, he has also won competitions at the World Cup, the Pan-American Games, and the Goodwill Games.  Additional honours include an Olympic Champion Award in 1985 and a Sport Excellence Award in 1989.

At the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Curt proudly brought home the bronze medal for match sprint. As a three-time Olympic medalist, and having the distinction of breaking the world record for fastest flying 200 metre time, Curt secured his place as one of Canada's greatest cycling athletes.