On episode ten of the True North Podcast, host Benedict Rhodes is joined by Team Canada’s chef de mission for the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games, and Olympic champion, Christine Girard.

The pair discuss what the role of a chef de mission is, and how preparation is going for the major multi-sport games this fall. They also talk about Christine’s career as a weightlifter, and the eventful process of learning that she had become an Olympic champion, years after the event had ended, as a result of other competitors being caught doping.

It’s a fascinating story, and one she says is a victory for not only her, but the values of Canadians and all anti-doping advocates.

All of that and much more on this episode of the True North Podcast.

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On episode nine of the True North Podcast, Benedict Rhodes is joined by Toronto Six forward Emma Woods to discuss her new contract with the team, and Toronto’s Isobel Cup win this past season.

Why did she re-sign with the team? How has the organization evolved since its inaugural season? What might the future of women’s professional hockey look like?

All of that and much more on this episode of the True North Podcast.

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On episode eight of the True North Podcast, Benedict Rhodes is joined by Harnesslink’s Nicholas Barnsdale to discuss the decline in prominence of harness racing in North America, and some potential solutions to get it back on the map.

What are some of the reasons for the sport becoming less popular? Are online gambling and other casinos keeping people away from the racetrack? What does this sport need to do in Canada to attract new fans?

All of that and much more on this episode of the True North Podcast.

RELATED READING: Nick’s thesis project - “Where did everybody go?”

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On episode seven of the True North Podcast, Benedict Rhodes is joined by CBC’s Devin Heroux to recap the Canadian national swimming trials, and chat about Canadian curling, among other things.

What was the reaction like at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre to Summer McIntosh’s historic week? Which other swimmers impressed as the leadup to to the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Paris continues? What needs to change to get Canadian curling back to being a powerhouse on the international level?

All of that and much more on this episode of the True North Podcast.

RELATED READING: Summer McIntosh the star of Canadian swimming trials as over a dozen records fall

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On episode six of the True North Podcast, Benedict Rhodes is joined by Canadian Olympian, and longtime swimming coach, Byron MacDonald.

How did MacDonald’s own successful swimming career set him up for a lifetime of coaching and broadcasting? Just how good can Summer McIntosh be? With a year until Paris 2024, what are Canadians doing to prepare?

All of that and much more on this episode of the True North Podcast.

To be the first to listen to future episodes, or read new written stories, subscribe for free at truenorthsports.substack.com

On episode five of the True North Podcast, host Benedict Rhodes is joined by Christopher Séguin, the Manager of Media & Communications for the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games, to recap the recent multi-sport competition.

What were Christopher’s favourite moments from the Games? What legacy will Niagara 2022 leave behind in the region? Which athletes could be future Olympic and Paralympic stars for Team Canada?

All of that and more on this episode of the True North Podcast.

READ MORE: Six athletes who stood out at the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games

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Something a bit different today! I recently graduated from Humber College in Toronto, and as part of my graduation requirements I had to research and write a long-form piece of journalism.

I chose a topic that’s very important to me — the legacies from hosting major sporting events in Canada. The Vancouver 2010 Olympics and Paralympics and the Toronto 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games were the focus of my research and interviews, with an eye to the potential Vancouver 2030 Olympic and Paralympic bid as well and what those Games may look like.

This podcast episode accompanies a lengthy written piece that I did, and focuses specifically on Vancouver 2010. Joining me in March to discuss memories and legacies of those Games was the always-insightful Stephen Brunt from Sportsnet. He played an important role in telling the stories of Canadian athletes in 2010, and is regarded among the top Canadian sports media figures ever. I hope you enjoy our discussion.

If you’d instead prefer to watch the video version of the interview, the podcast is available on YouTube below.

Please also check out the full written piece linked below, with some of Canada’s top athletes, important stakeholders in Canadian sport, and both local and federal politicians, among others.

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On the fourth episode of the True North Podcast, Benedict Rhodes is joined by Claire Palmer of the Golden Star and Black Press Media to recap the women’s hockey tournament at Beijing 2022, and discuss the future of professional women’s hockey in Canada.

Whose stock rose in Beijing? Was that the best version of Team Canada we’ve ever seen? What might a professional women’s league in Canada look like?

All of that and more on this episode of the True North Podcast.

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On the third episode of the True North Podcast, Benedict Rhodes is joined by Matthew Leombruni of On The Sidelines to tee up Beijing 2022.

The duo discuss Canada's top medal hopes for these Winter Olympics, react to the announcement that Charles Hamelin and Marie Philip-Poulin will be the flag bearers for Team Canada, and relive some memories from Pyeongchang 2018.

All of that and more on this episode of the True North Podcast.

Let the Games begin.

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On the second episode of the True North Podcast, Benedict Rhodes is joined by Luke Garrison of Full Press Hockey to discuss Canada’s men’s hockey roster announcement for Beijing 2022.

Which players should fans keep an eye on in Beijing? Is Eric Staal a Hall of Famer? What’s the best Canadian hockey jersey of all time?

All that and more is answered on this episode of the True North Podcast.

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