Honourable senators, I’m proud today to honour a remarkable young woman and a future Olympian, Sanoa Dempfle-Olin, from beautiful Tofino, British Columbia. On March 2, Sanoa made history by becoming Canada’s first Olympic surfer ever, after officially qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. You probably know that surfing is not a sport that we popularly associate with Canada.

Coming from a family of proud and talented surfers, Sanoa’s passion for the sport started when she was only six years old after she received her very first surfboard. After years dedicated to training, she became the youngest female surfer ever to win the Tofino Rip Curl Pro when she was 12 years old.

Earlier this year, at only 18 years old, Sanoa helped Canada finish fourth in the 2023 PanAmerican Surfing Games and later secured the silver medal in the PanAm women’s final in Santiago, Chile.

Her path to the Olympics was provisional as she awaited participation in the 2024 International Surfing Association, or ISA, World Surfing Games in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Happily, after an impressive third place finish, having posted the single‑highest wave score and heat total, Sanoa officially qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Because it’s not noted as a wonderful surfing destination, the Olympic venue for this event will be at Tahiti’s Teahupo’o venue, considered one of the world’s most potentially dangerous surfing spots, often generating waves at 25 feet and barrels large enough to stand in. At the heart of Sanoa’s success is her positive attitude and passion for her sport, stating:

It’s wonderful and magical. . . . Getting to connect with the ocean and to be in nature is unlike any other sport, and I love it.

Sanoa’s accomplishments not only serve as a beacon for other Canadian surfers, but will no doubt inspire the next generation of young athletes interested in representing their sport at many levels.

I would like to take this time to extend my heartfelt congratulations on her amazing achievement. Canada stands with you, Sanoa, as you take your next steps in your extraordinary journey, and we eagerly anticipate cheering you on as you continue to make history.

May the waves of success carry you and the maple leaf to great heights in the upcoming Olympics.

Thank you very much.