Simone biles height

I have always been a bit of a softy when it comes to watching athletes compete at the highest levels. I get caught up in the stories of their hard work and perseverance, and the challenges they overcome as they try to reach the top. I also feel incredibly proud watching them represent Canada with dignity and enthusiasm.

I find myself crying emotional happy tears as I watch their journeys unfold. Then when it all wraps up, I can’t wait for the next Olympics, Commonwealth Games or World Championships to see athletes compete in sports that I generally don’t know anything about, but still enjoy watching.

The 2016 Rio Summer Olympics were different. I was watching the games through a very different lens, as a fan and a proud Canadian, but also as a family member of an athlete making her first appearance in the Olympics.

Shallon Olsen, who just turned 16 years old in July, was the youngest athlete Olympics opening time.