Interview with Bronze Medalist, Dennis Gaul

Our very own Mississauga employee, Dennis Gaul, competed in the Special Olympics this past February and WON a bronze medal in Slalom, while competing in many other events as well! Congratulations, Dennis, we are so proud of you and we just want to share your accomplishments, hard work and dedication with everyone here J Check out our interview with bronze medalist, Dennis Gaul, and take a closer look into his time spent on the training course and at the Special Olympics!

What sport did you earn your last medal in?

I competed in Alpine Skiing. It involved Slalom, Super G, Giant Slalom and Slalom at the Special Olympics Winter Games in Saul Ste. Marie, Ontario on Feb. 1^st and 2^nd 2019, and won a bronze medal in Slalom.

How did it feel when you found out that you medaled?

I was surprised as there were a lot of great skiers form other parts of Ontario, but it was a great feeling to be on the podium and celebrate with other medalists. Can you imagine, I was the third fastest skier in Slalom in Ontario!

What was your training routine to get ready for the Special Olympics?

I train for skiing every Sunday from 9am to 3:30pm at Horseshoe Heights starting January 1^st until the end of the season. My team is called Mississauga Dream Team. We have great coaches who help us to improve our skiing skills and teach us about different techniques for the races. They set up a racing course for us every weekend. I also go for fitness classes once a week to the community gym. I work hard on strengthening my muscles and work on endurance and perseverance.

Do you participate in any other events in the Special Olympics? If so, which ones?

I participate in competitive swimming, soccer and golf.

In Soccer and Golf we train every Tuesday evening during the spring and summer. For swimming I train every Tuesday night in the spring, fall and winter, and I do extra training on Saturday mornings.

What was your favourite aspect of participating in the Special Olympics?

Meeting new friends, making friendships by helping each other share good times, memories and learning about the different parts of our great country.

What was this experience like for you? Did it impact your life at all, and if so, how?

I wanted to stay forever on the hills and ski and have fun with my friends, but I knew I had to go home and return to my everyday life. Now I want to practice even harder to make it one day to Nationals as it happened 4 years ago.

Is there an athlete that you look up to? If so, who and why?

My hero is Terry Fox. He was determined to finish his walk across Canada, beat cancer and help others.

What was the last piece of advice your coach said to you before you competed?

My coach told me to relax, keep the routine I have learned, think positive thoughts and most of all have a good time.

Do you have a word or mantra that you say to yourself when you’re competing?

I take a deep breath and shout my Taekwondo sound, “Kia”. But that is another story.

What piece of advice would you pass forward to someone else who wants to compete professionally?

Believe in yourself and don’t let anyone stop you in your decision; just keep on going no matter what. Train hard and have fun with your friends. It doesn’t matter how hard it feels, just keep on going. You don’t have to always win, but you keep yourself fit, healthy and well. The other nice thing is you meet a lot of nice people that care about you and meet a lot of nice friends.