Classmates pay tribute to Olympic gold winner Adam Van Koeverden

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/adammedals.jpg” caption=”Olympic double medallist Adam Van Koeverden”]

Classmates of Olympic gold medallist Adam Van Koeverden rose to their feet
yesterday as they celebrated the McMaster student's double medal accomplishment
in Athens.

Van Koeverden, a 22-year-old Kinesiology
student, who lives in Oakville, won gold in the K1, 500 metre kayak finals and
bronze in the K1, 1000 metre kayak event. He took the 2003-04 academic year
off of school to train for the Olympics and is returning to his studies this
month.

Joining Van Koeverden and his classmates in their third year Kinesiology course
were Associate Professor Stuart
Phillips, Associate Chair Kinesiology Nick
Cipriano, Kinesiology Chair Neil
McCartney, and University President Peter George who each paid tribute to
Van Koeverden.

President George reminisced about waking up in the middle of the night to watch
the kayaking races on television and congratulated Van Koeverden on his dedication
and perseverance.

After the class watched a video of the gold-medal race, Van Koeverden talked
at length about his sport, answering questions about training and sharing his
views on Canadian sport. For Van Koeverden, Olympic stardom comes with the responsibility
of being an ambassador for kayaking and sport in general. And he's ready
to share his experiences. To federal Sport Minister Steve Owen and his fellow
classmates, he says, If you have any questions, just stop me any time.

Because, despite earning two Olympic medals and looking forward to future championships,
Van Koeverden still sees himself as just another McMaster student.