MCURL - Athlete Spotlight: Olivier Bonin-Ducharme

Last year, the Voyageurs curling teams hosted the U Sports Championships in Sudbury. The men's team just missed the podium but is hoping for a comeback season in the upcoming months. Olivier Bonin-Ducharme, New Liskeard, Ontario native and third-year Sociologie student affirmed he would love to compete at Nationals this year. "I think we've got a solid team and we're pretty committed to give it our best at the OUA Championships," he said.

Olivier started curling shortly after seeing Kevin Martin representing Canada at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. "I remember watching it on television and finding it looked similar to bowling. So, the next year, I decided to try out curling and I instantly fell in love with the sport and its community" he said.

Curling is a sport that requires concentration, precision, mental toughness, and cooperation. For Olivier, this sport has taught him several skills used in everyday life. "Curling is all about mental toughness and strategy. Curling is a gentleman's sport and sportsmanship has always been an important part of it. It teaches me to be a better athlete, teammate, and overall better person" he stated.

It is no secret that Laurentian has a community like no other, especially regarding athletics. According to Olivier, the best part of competing for the Voyageurs' curling team is the community. "It was such a thrill to see the pot bangers up in the stands supporting us and having the whole community come together to cheer us on. The feeling was ecstatic" he commented. Having one of the best fan bases in the OUA, it is no surprise that the Voyageurs community came out to support the curling teams, especially during important games, and will continue to do so this season.

Although it was a heartbreaking loss at the U Sports Championships, Olivier cherishes participating alongside his teammates Jake, Sam, Derek, Owen, and Nathan. "It was my first national championship, so I'll cherish that experience for the rest of my life. That team is going to stay close to my heart for a while" he said. He also stated that his teammates and coaches motivate him the most while he's curling. "Without them, the sport wouldn't be the same and I wouldn't have had the opportunities I was able to have" he commented.

When asked about a goal he would like to achieve this season, Olivier's answer was simple and previously mentioned: to see Laurentian curling at the U Sports Championships again. "Overall, to curl with a great group of guys and learn from great coaches like Ryan and Jan is a great opportunity by itself, so whatever happens this season, I'll be happy" he stated.

-Madison Boileau