University and High-Level Sport: Five Inspiring CAVD Athletes

It’s hard to predict — let alone promise — young athletes the glory they dream of. Too many factors can hinder their progress, or even cut a career short. Perseverance and healthy habits are key to success. Young athletes often seek instant results, but true achievement comes with patience and long-term development. Proper guidance that respects each individual’s evolution allows athletes to reach their full potential, especially during the benjamin, cadet, youth, and junior years.

With the right preparation, an athlete will have all the tools to tackle one of the most important phases of their athletic journey: university-level competition. It’s a time of discovery — new knowledge, belonging, friendships, growth, maturity, and independence. Then comes the ultimate test: competing against the best in the country. That, as a coach, is the promise I can make to my athletes.

Since its creation, the Vaudreuil-Dorion Athletics Club (CAVD) has produced many great ambassadors — athletes whose athletic and academic excellence have led them to the highest levels of sport.

Claude David, Coach

Olivier Collin – University of Victoria, Kinesiology

CAVD member since 2005

A brilliant student-athlete, Olivier progressed through hard work, perseverance, and relentless drive. In 2010, he received an athletic scholarship to Fresno State University in California before completing his kinesiology degree at the University of Victoria in British Columbia.

“Being exposed to high-level competition from a young age really prepared me for academic challenges. Transitioning between sport and studies is much easier when high standards are part of your daily life.” – Olivier

Personal Bests

800m: 1:46.21
1500m: 3:38.25
Mile: 3:57.25
1000m (indoor): 2:23.18
3000m (indoor): 8:05.25

Highlights

2010 Canadian Champion & NACAC Champion – 1500m
2008 World Junior Championships – Bydgoszcz, Poland
2008 Canadian Junior Champion – 800m
2009 Canada Games – Silver 800m
2016 World University Cross-Country Championships – Cassino, Italy

Elena Savidge – University of Victoria, Earth and Ocean Sciences

CAVD member since 2012

A former student at John Abbott College, Elena is thriving both athletically and academically. Her progress speaks volumes — and her best is yet to come.

“Competing at a high level pushes me to work harder every training, every strength session, every recovery jog. I’m lucky to have the support of my coaches, family, and my original coach in Vaudreuil. Balance is everything — between athletics, studies, and life.” – Elena

Personal Bests

800m: 2:20.18
1500m (indoor): 4:51.41
1000m (indoor): 3:04.46

Highlights

2012 Team Quebec – Cadet
2014 Canadian Francophonie Games
2016 U Sports Cross-Country Championships

Arianne Raby – McGill University, Master’s in Kinesiology

CAVD member since 2015

An elite athlete for over a decade, Arianne studied at Indiana University on an athletic scholarship and earned a kinesiology degree. She is now completing a master’s degree at McGill. Following her recent win at the Montreal Marathon, her ambitions in endurance running have only grown.

“Sport gave me structure and taught me to value every minute of my day. At Indiana, I learned the vital balance of being a student first, athlete second. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience.” – Arianne

Personal Bests

800m (indoor): 2:07.40
1000m (indoor): 2:48.46
1500m: 4:22.68
10,000m: 35:16.42
Marathon: 2:48.54

Highlights

2016 Winner – Ottawa Half-Marathon
2016 Winner – Montreal Marathon
2009 Canada Games – 800m, 1500m, 4×400
2009 Francophonie Games – 800m
NCAA Cross-Country & Medley Relay

Marc-Antoine Rouleau – Simon Fraser University, Business Administration

CAVD member since 2007

After beginning at the University of Sherbrooke, Marc-Antoine now studies in British Columbia at Simon Fraser University.

“My coach once told me, ‘You don’t play running like other sports.’ That hit me when I joined the Sherbrooke team. Running is different — you’re always seeking to go further, often alone. But those 25km Sunday runs are moments of clarity. University running taught me persistence and brought amazing athletes into my life.” – Marc-Antoine

Personal Bests

800m: 1:53.29
1000m (indoor): 2:24.14
1500m: 3:45.45
3000m (indoor): 8:11.17
5000m: 15:10.30

Highlights

2011 Montreal Marathon – 5km Winner
2016 First time under 3:45 for 1500m
NCAA Finalist – 1500m

Céleste Pilon – McGill University, Microbiology and Immunology

CAVD member since 2014

A top academic achiever, Céleste applies her discipline and determination to athletics as well.

“Competitive sport taught me to turn stress into strength. I apply that same mindset to my studies. With long-term planning and steady effort, I know I can succeed.” – Céleste

Personal Bests