Canada’s Chef de Mission Sylvie Bernier

Sylvie Bernier. (Getty Images)

Aug 21, 2008

Almost a quarter of a century after reaching the highest step on the podium following the three-metre diving competition at the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games, Sylvie Bernier, Canada’s Chef de Mission in Beijing, remains the only female diver to have won an Olympic gold medal. On top of that, she is also the first Olympic gold medallist to fulfill the role of Canada’s Chef de Mission.

Playing a completely different role in Beijing than the one she had in Los Angeles, Bernier is focusing on one thing only:  the athletes.

“Personally, what needs to be addressed when planning all of the Games operations are, first and foremost, the athletes’ needs," says Bernier. "Ultimately, anything and everything related to operations needs to be reviewed as it affects the athlete — transportation, ceremonies, security, et cetera. I do my job wondering constantly about what kind of impact this will have on the athletes.”

In keeping with tradition and predictions, Canada began capturing medals at the beginning of the second week of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Sylvie Bernier and the ‘Maple Leaf’ team are aiming to finish among the top 16 nations and as of August 21, they reached this goal but their ranking could change anytime until the Closing Ceremony on August 24. So far, the Canadian team already won a total of 15 medals; more than the 12 they brought back home after Athens 2004.

As chef de mission, she says the objective is to have the athletes “deliver the performance of a lifetime and return to Canada with lasting memories.” Bernier has certainly met this objective as a good number of athletes have already expressed that participating in the Olympic Games is an extraordinary experience in its own right.

Comparing Beijing to Los Angeles

The Canadian team at the Opening Ceremony on August 8, 2008. (Getty Images)

Bernier made her debut in the Olympic Games at the age of 20. She recalls: “I was in my bubble; I was only focussed on my sport and competition, whereas here I am involved with the entire team. I see things from a totally different point of view.”

Bernier also believes that the Beijing and Los Angeles Olympic Games Organizing Committees are very similar, especially from an organizational excellence standpoint.
“The variety and quality of food is excellent and the facilities are impressive," adds the Quebecer. "Everything is in close proximity and the athletes don’t need to spend hours travelling by bus to their events or the Olympic Village.”

Bernier tips her hat to all volunteers involved, directly or indirectly in Beijing. “They know their role and are extremely welcoming and nice. It’s one of the most wonderful aspects of the Games.” Bernier feels this is very important as volunteers are the first point of contact for athletes and guests — something to keep in mind for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The voice of the athletes
Since retiring from competition, Bernier has remained active in the Olympic Movement, namely as a television analyst at five Olympic Games between 1988 and 2004. She has noticed several changes within the Olympic Movement in the last decade. “The biggest change is that the athletes are much more directly involved in decisions made by the highest sport authorities. Their voice matters,” she says.

Bernier applauds this very positive change and believes that the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Athletes’ Council must continue to provide input into major decisions made by the IOC, saying "it is a wise practice and it is excellent for sports in general”.