Canadian boxing team nominated for Rio 2016
TORONTO — On Thursday, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Boxing Canada named the three athletes nominated to represent Team Canada in boxing at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games from August 5 to 21.
The three athletes selected include: Arthur Biyarslanov (64kg, 2015 Pan Am Games champion), Mandy Bujold (51kg, two-time Pan Am Games champion) and Ariane Fortin (75kg, two-time world champion). The team is coached by Danielle Bouchard, Kevin Howard, Robert Schinke and Daniel Trépanier.
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The athletes earned their spots at the 2016 AOB American Olympic Qualification Event which took place March 11–19 in Buenos Aires, Argentina where all three boxers had to finish amongst the top-two of their respective weight category. These will be the first Olympic Games for all three athletes. Rio 2016 will also mark a historical first in Olympic boxing as headgear is removed from the men’s competition and non-AIBA professional boxers were eligible to qualify.
With all qualification events done, the boxers are now focusing on their preparation and fine-tuning their skills for Rio. A final training camp will take place in Montreal from July 25 to August 2 before they travel to Brazil.
Boxing is a thrilling sport to watch as it is a well-rounded discipline that combines strength, speed, technical and tactical elements. The Olympic boxing competition will take place at the Riocentro Pavilion 6, August 6-21, with a total of 13 events (10 for men, three for women).
At Rio 2016, Canada expects to field a team of approximately 315 athletes.
Boxing Canada is the national governing body for the sport of boxing in Canada. The organization’s vision is to inspire Canadians to make Olympic boxing a major sport and physical activity while striving towards Canada being a dominant nation internationally.
QUOTES
“This group has worked extremely hard to earn the right to represent Canada at the Rio 2016 Games this summer. I know they will do everything they can to push for the podium and continue to make Canada proud. Congratulations to everyone who has been nominated today.”
Curt Harnett, Rio 2016 Team Canada Chef de Mission
“Congratulations to our boxers named to Team Canada. By representing Team Canada in Brazil, they are an inspiration for all the young boxers at home from coast to coast. Our boxers heading to Rio have fought hard for their opportunity to represent boxing and Canada on the largest stage. Our team is aiming for the best team performance in the history of our program.”
Daniel Trépanier, Boxing Canada High Performance Director and Head Coach
“I am looking forward to representing Canada in Rio. This is a dream come true for me. Lots of hard work and dedication has gone into this goal and it’s exciting to finally call myself an Olympian.”
Mandy Bujold, Rio 2016 athlete
“Congratulations to the boxers and coaches named to Canada’s Olympic boxing team headed to Rio. You are relentless and committed to your training in preparation for your bouts in Rio and should know that Team Canada here at home — 35 million strong — is in your corner. Good luck!”
The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities
The boxing team which will represent Canada at Rio 2016 includes:
Athletes:
| First | Last | Hometown | Event |
| Arthur | Biyarslanov | Toronto, ON | Men’s 64kg |
| Mandy | Bujold | Kitchener, ON | Women’s 51kg |
| Ariane | Fortin | Saint-Nicolas, QC | Women’s 75kg |
Coaches:
| Position | First | Last | Hometown |
| Coach | Danielle | Bouchard | Jonquière, QC |
| Coach | Kevin | Howard | London, England |
| Mental performance consultant | Robert | Schinke | Montreal, QC |
| Team Leader | Daniel | Trépanier | Montreal, QC |
Prior to being named to the final Canadian Rio 2016 Team, all nominations are subject to approval by the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Team Selection Committee following its receipt of nominations by all National Sport Federations.