Braking for Olympic Glory

Olympic Bobsleigh Brakeman, TeamCanada Sprinter

Despite his large stature and impressive number of accomplishments in the world of athletics, Neville Wright is an incredibly modest individual. As the second youngest of seven children whose father passed away at an early age, Neville was taught to work hard.

“My mom raised all of us from such a young age. We were never spoiled and, because of that, I learned that you need to work for what you have because, when you do that, you appreciate what you’ve been given.”

And, now Neville has been given a second chance at Olympic glory. The dedicated athlete trains almost every day to remain in tip-top shape. It’s a regimen that began seriously while he was enrolled in physical education at the University of Alberta, from 2003 to 2007.

Neville won six conference titles in sprinting, and four medals—two gold, a silver and a bronze—at the Canadian Inter-university Sports level. He represented Canada at the World University Championships in 2005, and again in 2007, when he ran the 100-metre dash in a mere 10.37 seconds and earned a bronze medal. He has been a member of Team Canada, participating in the 4 x 100 relay, and the 100-metre dash, missing out by two-tenths of a second to qualify for the Summer Olympics in Beijing.

“I love the competition that is involved in athletics. I also really like being able to travel to other places.” The 28-year old is a role model who believes that everyone should dedicate themselves to being the best they can be at whatever path they choose. He developed a health promotion program for youth and adults at his church, conducts summer camps and visits schools to promote athletics.

Track and field athletes are often approached to use their strength, agility and speed for bobsledding. Since 2005, Neville had been urged to try bobsledding, but when an injury affected his track performance last year, he finally considered it an option. Much to his own surprise and that of others, he was a perfect fit.

“I went to the camp in Calgary for a week, and it went really well. Then I got invited out for Nationals, and things went really well there, too.”

So well, that Neville is training for the Winter 2010 Olympics in Vancouver as a member of the four man bobsled team.

“I’m excited to go to the Olympics, but I’m more excited because this team actually has a chance at a medal. It’d be awesome to win it on home turf.”

- Written by Lauren Henrie, Edmontonians Sept 2009