Canadian diver and Olympic bronze medalist Roseline Filion dropped by the Global Montreal studios Friday morning to try out something new.
The athlete dove right into the action, filling in as guest host for the morning news, talking about everything from the weather to Montreal’s Tartarefest and, of course, her career.
Fresh off her Olympic win, the 29-year-old Laval native admitted it felt good to get back to school and a regular life.
READ MORE: Rio 2016: Meaghan Benfeito and Roseline Filion win synchronized diving bronze
Filion is studying communications at Université de Montréal with the hopes of one day working in media.
“It feels good. It’s different. I really have to organize my days,” she said.
“Before, I used to go to the pool all day and go back home and relax. Now, I have to organize studying time, organize meetings with classmates prepare what I need to do for the next class.”
After Filion announced Rio would be her last Olympics, many feared she was retiring from the sport – but diving fans can rest easy.
“Rio were my last Olympics but not my last competition,” she clarified. “I’m not retired yet, I’m still on vacation.”
Nonetheless, the announcement does change things.
It means her longtime synchronized diving partner, Meaghan Benfeito, now has to look for a new partner.
According to Filion, the process could take as long as three or four years.
“There are some really good contenders for that spot,” she said.
“I’m really going to be involved in the process because I want to help them be the best they can be, whoever that person is.”
Filion and Benfeito are best friends and have often been referred to as the “diving sisters,” ranked among the best in the world.
Filion insisted that although they won’t be diving together anymore, she’ll always be there for Benfeito.
“I’m going to leave the pool, but I’ll always be there in the corner somewhere. I can’t just leave and not care anymore, it’s not who I am.”
Filion fun facts: A few things you might not know
Filion is a lover of all things fashion, from browsing magazines to shopping.
Her favourite city in the world is London, and surprisingly her love affair with the city predates her bronze medal win from 2012 London Olympics.
“I’m in love with London, England,” she said.
“Just walking around there’s everything there – the architecture. The moment they knew they were hosting the Olympics in London, I was just going crazy.”
Top-level athletes usually follow pretty strict nutritional guidelines and Filion is no exception, but she does allow herself one guilty pleasure – and it’s not chocolate.
“I’m a huge fan of hot dogs,” she said, adding she even has a yearly tradition to celebrate the end of each season.
“I land from the airplane and I go straight to a hot dog place with family and and I [gorge] myself with hot dogs.”
Filion is a self-described purist when it comes to her greasy treat, requiring no fancy dressings.
“Just ketchup,” she said. “Simple. It’s so good.”
Sadly though, the time for hot dogs has passed, as Filion slowly starts preparing to dive back into a new season.
Comments