A photo collage from Dr. Hazel’s Olympic experience. (Click to enlarge.)
To get accustomed to the climate and similar outdoor facilities, the Canadian Olympic swim team traveled to Europe six weeks before the event to train in an outdoor pool in Cannes, France, before traveling to Barcelona.
Dr. Hazel vividly remembers every moment of that Olympic race: Jumping into the pool. Feeling the cold water splash against her skin. Grabbing the starting block. Moving into position. Hearing the starting beep.
Although obviously disappointed, Dr. Hazel still made the most of every moment in Barcelona. That was the first year the U.S. sent its Dream Team to compete in the men’s Olympic basketball games. She took a selfie with Magic Johnson and also cheered for a teammate, Mark Tewksbury, who competed in the men’s 100 meter backstroke. He snatched Canada’s only gold medal in swimming at the Olympics that year.
Dr. Hazel’s trading card.
During the remainder of her years as an undergrad at the University of Florida, Dr. Hazel continued to swim in many other events. For three consecutive years, her team won the Southeastern Conference Championships and placed in the top three spots at the National Championships.
“We were a very strong team,” says Dr. Hazel, adding that after graduating college, she returned to Montreal and took one year off to recuperate from sports injuries, coach other swimmers and center herself before attending medical school.
More than 30 years later, Dr. Hazel still swims several times each week, but not for medals or accolades. She’s determined to be a role model for her patients, explaining that exercise is critical for those with rheumatic conditions or diseases.
