Past Olympians living in Windsor offer insight into the games
The Paris Olympics have captivated Windsor-Essex -- exciting fans while stirring up memories for those who have experienced the games firsthand.
David Trembley was born and raised in Stoney Point, Ont.
He followed his father’s footsteps into the world of wrestling – a path he took all the way to the London 2012 Olympic Games.
“I always had that dream of being an Olympian,” Trembley said.
“That’s the highest you can do in the sport of wrestling.”
In the Freestyle 55 kilogram competition, Trembley placed 16th out of 19 competitors – a result he said he wasn’t happy with.
“It was heartbreaking,” he said.
“The Olympics themselves are a roller coaster of emotions.”
David Trembley competing in the 2012 London Olympics. (Source: The Canadian Press)
Considering his experience, Trembley watches the Paris 2024 games through a different lens than most.
He knows firsthand the pressure, excitement and hunger the athletes we see on TV are feeling.
“You're representing your country, you're representing your team, you're representing yourself,” Trembley said.
“I put a lot of pressure on myself to do well. For some athletes, it's the same.”
David Trembley competes against a Turkey athlete in the 2012 London Olympics. (Source: The Canadian Press)
Another Windsorite who knows these feelings firsthand is gymnast Robert Stanescu.
In the Beijing 2008 games, he competed for Romania in several Artistic Gymnastics competitions – placing 7th overall on the rings.
“It was nerve-wracking,” he said.
“20,000 to 30,000 people in the stands, watching you and maybe three or four other guys at the same time. There are a lot of eyes.”
Stanescu moved to Windsor in 2012, opening Alpha Gymnastics Academy with his wife.
Together, they train future gymnasts but also have been watching this summer’s games as fans.
Robert Stanescu at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. (Provided by Robert Stanescu)
“We have different expectations based on what the athletes do,” he said.
“We see things a little bit differently. We know what the score means more than an average person watching the Olympics.”
Stanescu said the casual fan might not understand just how much effort each individual athlete has put into making it to the games.
“And the commitment that has to be there, inside and outside of the gym. It's not just when you're training,” he said.
He recognizes great talent in the kids and teens he trains at Alpha Gymnastics – but it will be up to them to put in the work.
“At the end of the day, it's how far they want to go,” Stanescu said.
Robert Stanescu poses with an Olympic Torch. (Provided by Robert Stanescu)
Trembley, too, remains dedicated to his sport.
He’s taken a job with the Ontario Amateur Wrestling Association – offering mentorship to Tecumseh’s Linda Morais as she embarked on her first Olympic journey in Paris.
“My message to her is: you belong at the Olympics,” he said.
“You’re there to compete with the best of the best.”
Robert Stanescu at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. (Provided by Robert Stanescu)
You might never know either of these men had competed with the best of the best if you were to see them on the street – but there are numerous Olympians in Windsor-Essex.
Those who have competed in games past and those who will get there one day.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Romeo Dallaire now recovered from severe infection: CTV News Exclusive
Romeo Dallaire is ready to return to public life again this fall after a serious health scare forced the retired lieutenant-general to postpone his cross-country book tour in March.
Why is this village in Quebec facing a 370 per cent property tax hike?
Residents in the small Quebec village of Danford Lake may soon be priced out of their homes, as property valuations and taxes are set to skyrocket.
James Earl Jones, acclaimed actor and voice of Darth Vader, dies at 93
James Earl Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen — eventually lending his deep, commanding voice to CNN, 'The Lion King' and Darth Vader — has died. He was 93.
Woman who died in B.C. jail cell had asked to be taken to hospital twice, report shows
A woman who died from drug toxicity while in a B.C. jail cell asked to be taken to hospital twice in the hours after she was taken into custody in a case the province's police watchdog says again raises concerns over the treatment of intoxicated prisoners.
The iPhone 16, new AirPods and other highlights from Apple's product showcase
Apple squarely shifted its focus toward artificial intelligence with the unveiling of its hotly anticipated iPhone 16 along with a slew of new features coming with the next update to the device’s operating system. While the new phone lineup headlined Monday's showcase, the tech giant also shared updates to its smartwatch and AirPod lineups.
'You can't miss Luke Skywalker': Mark Hamill spotted filming in Manitoba town
Star Wars icon Mark Hamill rode through the streets of Stonewall, Man. last month filming scenes atop what looked to be an Army vehicle for the upcoming film adaptation of Stephen King's "The Long Walk."
Alberta protesters get 6 1/2-year sentences for roles in Coutts border blockade
One of two men sentenced Monday to 6 1/2 years for firearms violations and mischief at the border blockade at Coutts, Alta., says the time he has already spent behind bars has changed him and his "solemn weapon” is now love.
Gaudreau brothers are mourned by the hockey community, family and friends as 'linemates forever'
She eulogized John Gaudreau through tears that would not be held back, her stories punctuated by sniffles, even an occasional laugh about falling in love with a young man with a mohawk, and the immeasurable heartbreak over a life that ended “way too soon.” Meredith Gaudreau had more to share about her husband than tales of his modest start on ice and rise to NHL stardom — their family of four was soon to become five; she recently revealed to John he would be a father again.
'Peter Nygard is a sexual predator:' Former fashion mogul sentenced to 11 years in prison
Former Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard has been sentenced to 11 years in prison. The sentence was handed to Nygard, 83, by Ontario Superior Court Justice Robert Goldstein in Toronto on Monday. Last November, a jury found Nygard guilty of four counts of sexual assault following a six-week trial.