While I’ve never met her before, it was fairly easy to spot Ashley Brzozowicz waiting for her cappuccino in the long line of people at Black Honey Desserts. Blonde and statuesque, Brzozowicz epitomizes the physicality of an Olympic athlete, yet her demeanor is calm and gentle.
“I’m really excited to be living in Peterborough,” she says softly in between sips from her steaming mug of coffee. “There are so many beautiful trails surrounding the city. I’m really enjoying my time here.”
Having recently moved from her training centre in London Ontario while her husband Roy Dyskstra pursues a PhD at Trent University’s Traill College, Brzozowicz says she’s learning new and amazing things about this city every day.
“It’s really fun to be in a different place and to explore the culture and what the city has to offer,” explains the two-time Olympian and 2012 Olympic Silver Medalist.
Brzozowicz, a seven-time national team member, arrived at Trent in September 2012 and took on the role of working with and mentoring students as well as participating in Champlain College events as the university’s first scholar/athlete in residence.
“If you had met me in high school, you would not have mistaken me for an athlete of any kind,” Brzozowicz says candidly. “It wasn’t as if sports came naturally to me and I excelled at everything. In fact, it was the opposite.”
However, the intelligent and dedicated Brzozowicz says that, once she put her mind to doing something, she did it.
“I’m one of those people who believe if you want to do something, you can,” she says with a smile. “I meet young people every day and I tell them I’m living proof that, in life, you never know what possibilities there are for you until you try.”
We’re excited to learn more about Ashley Brzozowicz, her accomplishments, and what lies ahead for this determined young woman during the upcoming Peterborough Speakers Series at Market Hall on April 10.
Have you ever wondered how some people go the distance — and beyond? Find out at the Peterborough Speakers Series, an unforgettable evening of thought-provoking entertainment featuring seven acclaimed speakers.
This year’s speakers are Ashley Brzozowicz (2012 Olympic Silver Medalist), Ted Higgins (President, Peterborough Lakers), Shannon McNevan (Partner, Boots and Hearts Music Festival), John Moss (Mystery Writer), Bill and Barb Johnston (Dynamic Duo Motivational Speakers), Dr. Tom Phillips (Trent University, Economic Commentator), and Derek McGrath (Actor/Musician).
The Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation presents Unstoppable, the third annual Peterborough Speakers Series, at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at The Market Hall (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough). Doors open at 6 p.m. with speakers presenting at 7 p.m. Each guest will speak for 10 to 15 minutes, and there will be a cocktail reception following the speeches where attendees can meet and mingle with the speakers. Tickets are $50, with proceeds from the event supporting the Health Services Foundation.
