CANADA’S OLYMPIC SWEETHEART HAS A COSY, COMFORTABLE STYLE
Four-time medallist likes to relax at home when she’s not busy with swim practice
Penny Oleksiak won our hearts during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, where the then-16-year-old became the first Canadian athlete to win four medals at a single Summer Games.
“I love competing. I train to compete. The Olympics is a totally different experience, it’s not like any other meet.”
She set an Olympic record in tying for gold in the 100m freestyle and was also Canada’s youngest Olympic gold medallist ever.
“Growing up, I did a lot of extracurricular activities to keep myself occupied. My parents always encouraged me to do well in school and sports. I got into swimming because my sister quit dance and at the time, I wanted to be just like her, so I quit dance too. My mom then told me I had to take up a different sport, so I picked swimming and haven’t looked back ever since.”
Since the 2016 Olympics, Oleksiak has continued to find success, being awarded the 2016 Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada’s top athlete, the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award as Canada’s top female athlete for 2016, and The Canadian Press team of the year.
“I have been putting in a lot of hard work and effort since Rio, committing to go all in on my training and doing everything I can to succeed. I’ve also learned a lot about how to manage and overcome the pressure that comes with being in my position in the years following Rio, and I’m doing my best to continue to work on this every single day.”
Besides training, Toronto-based Oleksiak finds time for her hobbies and giving back.
“I got to travel to Kenya with WE. It was an amazing experience with incredible people I won’t ever forget. I saw firsthand how much of a difference clean water makes for families.”
With her talent, focus, commitment and desire to do good in the world, Oleksiak sets a wonderful example for the younger generation, and no doubt we will see a lot more of Penny Oleksiak at the 2021 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games.
Q How would you describe your home?
A Cosy! I moved into this condo this past summer. The building itself is brand new. My place is roughly 750 square feet. It has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a big balcony. The view and all the natural light are some of its best features.
Q What attracted you to this space?
A I thought it had a really good flow — it didn’t feel too crammed compared to some of the new builds out there. I was pumped about the second bedroom that I’ve since converted to a walk-in closet/dressing room.
Q What do you love the most about your home?
A That’s a hard one because I really love it all. One of the main reasons why I decided to move out was to be closer to the pool. Now, it’s only about a 10-minute drive away so there’s a convenience element to it. I love that I’ve been able to make the space my own. Moving out has really given me a sense of independence.
Q Do you entertain a lot at home?
A Not a whole lot yet. I’ve been pretty focused on training, but I do like to have friends over on weekends.
Q Who shares this home?
A I share this space with my dog, Norman — he’s a French bulldog.
Q What is your favourite room and why?
A
My favourite room is my bedroom. It’s where I spend the majority of my time when I’m at home. I’ve tried to make it a space that promotes wellness, a place where I can relax and unwind at the end of the day.
Q How would you describe your decorating style?
A
My decorating style is contemporary yet comfortable. I personalized my space by hanging up black-and-white prints of some of my favourite musicians. I always have plants in my space, although I’ll admit it can be hard to keep them all alive.
Q What is your fondest memory in this home?
A Moving in. All I had for a few days was a blow-up mattress before my furniture arrived, so Norman and I would just play in the empty space.
Q What’s the one item in this house you can’t live without?
A My bed from Ikea — it’s so comfortable. Like everyone else, I love a good night’s sleep.