PODIUM Continued from p.56

even more questions. With no racing, I had time and space to answer them. Through that process I made a major coaching change and decided to base myself in Canada. The consequences of that have seen me lose access to race funding, equipment and facility access. It’s a huge blow, but I will adapt. I know there are those out there willing to help, and I am grateful for that.

Racing will be on hold for some time. And once I can return to it, I will be more grateful to be on that start line. But for the time being my new goals are the health and wellbeing of my family, friends and community. I hope during this pandemic you are able to find the answers to your own questions, and continue to be kind, be calm and be safe.

Matthew Sharpe was on track to represent Canada at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and is one of Canada’s top prospects to be on the team next year.