It makes sense why Canada’s top athletes keep their family close when they’re training for something like Rio 2016.
A 2012 study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, found those who have the support of family and friends during stressful periods (like, say, competing in the world’s biggest sporting event) have a higher sense of well-being and experience less negative emotions than those who don’t (both of which are key to maintaining a sporting edge).
But look a little closer and there appears to be another reason why several sporting stars cling to family while training for the Olympics: their partners, parents and siblings know what they’re going through.
READ MORE: Rio 2016: Canadian athletes stay close to home in lead up to Games
Some of this country’s most famous athletes have über-athletic genes; many even have a familial history of Olympic competition. Several more have found love on the court/track/water courtesy of their training regime. Here’s a glimpse at some of the most notable relationships that have impacted this year’s Canadian Olympic class (with info from the Canadian Olympic Committee).
Siblings: Derek Drouin & Jillian Drouin
While Derek is a competitor in the high jump category, his older sister is a heptathlete. He’s the holder of Canada’s lone athletics medal (a bronze) from the London 2012 games, while she’s a two-time Canadian high jump champion and was a member of the 2015 Pan Am Games team.
Partners: Brianne Theisen-Eaton & Ashton Eaton
Brianne Theisen-Eaton is one of Canada’s best hopes for a medal; she currently holds the record for heptathlon. Ashton, her husband, is an American athlete who is currently the world record holder in both the decathlon and indoor heptathlon events. Both will be heading to Rio to compete in this year’s games.
All-Athlete Family: The Nurse Family
It’s really no surprise where Kia Nurse gets her athletic spirit from – her genes. The women’s basketball team star has a family full of top-tier athletes who have made a living participating in sport. Her father is Richard Nurse, a former CFL wide receiver, and her mother, Kathy Nurse, played basketball at McMaster University. Her older brother Darnell is an Edmonton Oilers draft pick who won gold at the 2015 World Juniors, while her older sister, Tamika, played basketball at the University of Oregon and with the junior national team. If that weren’t enough, here aunt Racquel Nurse McNabb played basketball at Syracuse University and went on to marry former NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb.
All-Athlete Family: The Oldershaw Family
Another all-star who has über-athletic lineage is Mark Oldershaw, the bronze medalist in sprint canoe. According to the Canadian Olympic Committe (COC), he’s a third generation Olympian and the fifth member of his family to compete at an Olympic Games. His grandfather Bert, founded the Mississauga Canoe Club in 1958 after three Olympic appearances; his father Scott competed in the Kayak 500m at the Los Angeles games in 1984, and is also Mark’s coach; while his uncle Reed competed in the Kayak 1,000m in Montreal in 1976. His wife is also an Olympian: Annamay Pierse is a former competitive swimmer who won a silver medal for Canada at the 2009 world championships.
Dad-Son Duo: Shawn & George Barber
Shawn Barber didn’t stumble upon pole vaulting by accident – his dad, George, competed in the sport at the 1983 world championships and is now the 22-year-old’s coach. Apparently Shawn got into competing because his dad constantly took him to his training sessions and competitions.
Superstar Siblings: Tamara, Alisha & Patrick Tatham
Tamara Tatham isn’t the only basketball lover in her family’s household. Her younger sister Alisha joined her in representing Canada on the women’s basketball team at the 2012 London games, while her brother Patrick is an assistant basketball coach at Ryerson. Tamara and her sister also co-founded the not-for-profit organization Love Live Hoops, which seeks to mentor and train aspiring female basketball players.
Partners: Emily Batty & Adam Morka
This Oshawa native made her Olympic debut in 2012, just days after breaking her right collarbone in training. Her ability to race could have been, in part, due to the fact that her husband, Adam Morka, was by her side cheering her on and acting as her coach. What’s even more interesting is that all of her siblings (two older brothers and a younger sister) are competitive cyclists, too.
Partners: Kristi Lay & Mathieu Giroux
A track cyclist, Lay began her athletic career as a long track speed skater; she turned to cycling after suffering a major injury and never looked back. She’s won a silver medal at the world championships, and a gold at the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto. Her husband is Mathieu Giroux, a two-time Olympic speed skater; he won a gold meal in the team pursuit at the Vancouver 2010 games.