Donna Vakalis competed in her first Olympic Games in London and finished in the top-30 in the women’s Modern Pentathlon event.
In 2012, Vakalis had a top-20 finish at the Union International de Pentathlon Moderne World Cup Final in May which helped clinch her spot for London. A month earlier, she won the 2012 Guatemala Open. She also had a top-12 finish at the Indoor International competition in Hungary.
In 2011, Vakalis had a top-10 finish at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. Along with competing in the World Cup final that year and placing in the top-30, Vakalis finished fifth at the Guadalajara Open.
At the 2010 Pan American Championships in Brazil, Vakalis placed fifth. That year she would also place 31st at both the UPIM Senior World Championships and the UIPM World Cup final.
Two-time Canadian champ Vakalis had top-30 results at the 2009 World Cup Final in Brazil and the Senior World Championships in Great Britain.
Club:
Toronto Fencing Club
Languages spoken:
French, English, beginner Greek
Favourite activities outside of sport:
Learning
Sibling(s) Name(s) (date of birth):
Jessica (June 5th 1997); Lauren (January 13th, 1999)
Training Location(s):
Toronto and Ottawa
Coach(es):
John Hawes (National Team Head Coach), Peter Ho (fencing), Ross Ristuccia/Nic Stevenson (running), Patrick Haynes (Shooting),. Byron Macdonald and Linda Kiefer (swimming).
Senior national athlete since:
2009
Nickname (s):
D
College/ University (year graduated):
Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science (2003); Master of Architecture (2009)
Focus of studies:
Computers, Design, Green Architecture
Org./ charities supported:
CANFund
Other sports participated in:
Running
Favourite quote / motto:
Look at all you have. Appreciate it.
It would surprise you to know that I …:
In high school and undergraduate I was a skateboarder, and didn’t train in any pentathlon disciplines. I went to the United Nations Environment Programme Governing Council meeting in Nairobi and was on the Canadian delegation.
Canadian, World or Olympic records held (at any time):
-
National titles (include event, year):
2009 Women’s Champion
2010 Women’s Champion
Career notes (inc. Top results) in 2011:
Bronze Medal in Spiez International Women’s Competition
Top 16 at World Cup #1 in Palm Springs
Top 36 on World Cup Ranking Lisl
Career notes (inc. Top results) in 2010:
Top Canadian on World Ranking List
Top Canadian at World Championships
11th at World Cup in Cancun
Career notes (inc. Top results) in 2009:
Bronze medal in relay in Hungary World Cup
Career notes prior (excluding Olympic):
-
World Championship appearances – Best results by year:
2009: Top 50
2010: 31
Major awards (ex. CDN Player of Year, Hall of Fame inductee):
-
