Introducing the First Active Elite Curler on Canada’s Governing Body
In a groundbreaking move last weekend, Curling Canada made history by appointing Edmonton’s Laura Walker to its board of governors, making her the first active player to have a direct impact on decisions affecting the game. Walker, widely recognized as a former Canadian mixed doubles champion and bronze medal-winning skip at the 2021 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, brings a noteworthy perspective to the board due to her experience as a mixed doubles specialist currently ranked second in the world.
Building Trust and Bridging Gaps
Throughout the past 30 years, the relationship between players and the board has not been without tension, largely due to inconsistent communication. Decisions have been made amidst players’ complaints of exclusion from the consultation process and governors believing that their actions have always aligned with the best interests of the game. By adding Walker to the board, Curling Canada is taking a significant step toward rebuilding trust and bridging longstanding gaps between the two sides.
Laura Walker’s Role and Past Efforts
Walker’s role is multi-faceted – she sees herself as a point person whose presence on the board essentially provides a platform for two-way communication among athletes and the governing body. Prior to her appointment, Walker participated in Curling Canada’s Athletes Council, which comprises elite curlers representing various disciplines. At a 2021 meeting, the council successfully petitioned for a board seat, which Curling Canada welcomed with open arms, given Walker’s impeccable credentials and proactive efforts to advocate for athletes’ welfare.
A Voice for Future Elite Players
Walker’s most compelling objective in her new capacity as a board member is to ensure that the decisions made by the governing body better reflect the perspective of current and future elite players. The infamous pregnancy exemption eligibility rule adopted by Curling Canada last year, which was later revised due to public backlash, serves as a relevant example that underscores the importance of athlete participation at the board level. As quoted by Walker, “For a long time there have been discussions about us, without us.”
The Ultimate Juggle: Balancing Personal and Professional Life
Even with her new title on the board, Walker is dedicated to juggling the concurrent roles of a mother, competitive curler, and now, a board member. As the wife of Geoff, who is a member of the Brad Gushue team, Walker and her husband make special efforts to navigate their schedules so that one is always present when the other is away for curling tournaments. Her unwavering commitment to all these roles is undoubtedly a testament to her versatility and resilience.
From these recent developments, it is evident that Walker’s appointment goes beyond marking a historic moment; it signifies Curling Canada’s persistent efforts to move forward and embrace the crucial role of athlete representation at the board level. Walker’s multifaceted journey serves as a compelling narrative for future athletes and working parents, proving without a shadow of a doubt that balance can be achieved in multitudes of arenas. Her appointment should serve as a defining call for embracing inclusivity and collaboration between athletes and governing bodies across all sports.
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