THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA VOL 54 | NO 7 | JULY 3, 2008 UBC REPORTS

3 Sports doc 4/5 Team 6 Team 7 Field Hockey 8/9 Coaches 10 The team

THIS SUMMER, nearly 40 members of the UBC which began in 1928 and includes 109 medals and 240 community will participate in the 2008 Beijing Olympic participants. This special edition of UBC Reports tells and as athletes, coaches sports the stories of students, alumni, faculty and staff who doctors and staff. embody the Games motto of “higher, farther, faster.” In UBC’s Centenary year, the 2008 Games are an exciting For complete current and historical UBC coverage, see new chapter in our rich Olympic and Paralympic legacy, www.ubc.ca/beijing. BEIJING OLYMPIC EMBLEM: AMSTRONG DESIGN PHOTO: MARTIN DEE From Maui to the Yellow Sea, Nikola Girke competes on worldwide winds. Riding the waves to success

BY MEG WALKER from sailing to windsurfing. she was a five-time Canadian bachelor’s degree in Human ask good questions.” Girke had a chance to show Women’s Windsurf Champion. Kinetics and a business minor in At the end of June, Girke goes If there’s a good wind up, West off her sailing talents when she She loved the adrenaline of the 1995. “I loved the program and I to Mexico for three weeks to Vancouverite Nikola Girke can competed in the 470 class sailing solo sport and decided to take did well because I was interested continue her rigorous training. usually be found on the water. competitions in the Athens on the new challenge of training in it,” she recalls. “I definitely Conditions there – light wind, That’s not unusual for a sailor. Olympic games in 2004, placing for Olympic competition in used what I learned in my sports lots of current and waves, and But what is unusual is that Girke 13th. windsurfing. career. When I go to a physio, or hot, humid weather – will help is one of the few athletes who But Girke had started Her challenges are supported when a trainer explains things her acclimatize to what she can has successfully switched from windsufing in her early 20s when by knowledge learned at UBC, to me in the gym, I know what expect when she goes for gold in one Olympic sport to another: she was living in Maui. By 2005, where Girke completed a they’re talking about and I can Beijing.

Rolling for gold

UBC alumnus Jaimie Borisoff (No. 11, front row) will go for his third consecutive Paralympic gold in wheelchair basketball this summer. PHOTO: COURTESY OF CANADIAN WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION  | UBC REPORTS | JULY 3 , 2 0 0 8 IN THE NEWS

Highlights of UBC media coverage in June 2008. COMPILED BY MEG WALKER

BE SMART. BE SURE. BE SET FOR LIFE.

Call or email today for a complimentary retirement analysis

Don Proteau “Frank and Don made me feel very BComm, CFP Senior Financial comfortable with their advice and long-range Planner planning. Their knowledge of the faculty Assante Capital Management Ltd. pension plan is also a plus for UBC professors.” Member CIPF

A1_humphries_k08b.pdf 5/23/08 3:27:24 PM Dr. J.H. McNeill, PHOTO: COURTESY BILL UTLEY Frank Danielson Professor Emeritus, An original billboard for the now-restored 1914 Edward S. Curtis film In the Land of the Head Hunters. BEd, CFP Senior Financial Pharmaceutical Sciences, UBC Planner Landmark sex exploitation The Sun. Many research and engage in panel Assante Financial Management Ltd. study finds surprising number highlighted the work the TI discussions in 4,000 sessions at of female abusers has done in drawing attention the university’s four campuses. (604) 678-3442 • [email protected] • [email protected] The results of ’s to potentially dangerous drugs The May 31 to June 8 largest study into the sexual like Vioxx, which was later conference was the largest exploitation of street kids and withdrawn from the market. Congress in the organization’s runaways were reported by history, and the biggest event CanWest News Service and The Human trafficking in Canada UBC has ever hosted. Vancouver Sun. UBC law professor Benjamin Their research was gathered Elizabeth Saewyc, associate Perrin was widely quoted for his under the umbrella theme, professor of nursing at UBC comments on a recently released Thinking Beyond Borders. and principal investigator for U.S. report on human trafficking. Multiple stories about ideas the study, said researchers were Canada looks good on paper, but presented during the Congress surprised to find that many has much more work to do. were picked up by The Globe abusers are women seeking sex “We know that human and Mail, The Vancouver Sun, with young males. trafficking is continuing to The National Post, The Times Results were drawn from flourish in Canada and that it’s Colonist and papers across B.C. interviews with 1,845 youth one of the most serious crimes – some as young as 12 – in in our country,’’ said Perrin, Rare Edward Curtis film surveys taken across the province founder of The Future Group, a restored and on tour between 2000 and 2006. non-governmental organization A restored and expanded dedicated to ending human edition of the 1914 film “In the Status of Therapeutics Initiative trafficking. Land of the Head Hunters,” the under heavy discussion Perrin’s research and advocacy only feature-length film made by A review of Therapeutics work was discussed by media acclaimed photographer Edward Initiative (TI), a UBC-based outlets across the country Curtis (1868-1952), played in Accommodation for UBC visitors group that independently including CTV, Canoe.ca, Los Angeles and Seattle before evaluates drug trials and Victoria Star, Chronicle Herald, coming to the UBC. C provides recommendations to Vancouver Province, Metro, Aaron Glass, a UBC M doctors and to the government, CKWS, Miramichi Leader, anthropologist who worked on Y Business Family & was released as the Report of the Bugle-Observer, Canadian Press, the four-year restoration project Pharmaceutical Task Force. Canwest News Service and The and who found the film’s original CM Guests Friends The report’s recommendations Vancouver Sun. score at the Getty Institute in MY to overhaul TI were met 2004, said the original work CY with more than a month’s Congress of the Humanities was very much a collaboration CMY Point Grey Guest House worth of discussion about, comes to UBC between the Kwakwaka’wakw K and defense of, the watchdog More than 9,500 academics people of B.C. and Curtis. 4103 W. 10th Ave. Vancouver, B.C. 604-222-4104 organization in The Canadian met at the Congress of the Stories appeared in The www.pointgreyguesthouse.com [email protected] Medical Association Journal, Humanities and Social Sciences Vancouver Sun and Los Angeles The National Post and at UBC to present cutting-edge and Seattle newspapers.

NEXT ISSUE: AUG 7, 2008 Victoria Bell UBC REPORTS Executive Director Scott Macrae [email protected] UBC Reports welcomes submissions. Your University Guest Editor Basil Waugh [email protected] For upcoming UBC Reports submission guidelines: Area Specialist Designer Ping Ki Chan [email protected] www.publicaffairs.ubc.ca/ubcreports/about.html. Principal Photography Martin Dee [email protected] Opinions and advertising published in UBC Reports Web Designer Michael Ko [email protected] do not necessarily reflect official university policy. Contributors Lorraine Chan [email protected] Material may be reprinted in whole or in part with My real estate goal is to build Brian Lin [email protected] appropriate credit to UBC Reports. Letters (300 integrity based relationships Catherine Loiacono [email protected] words or less) must be signed and include an address backed with an extremely high Ben Schach [email protected] and phone number for verification. commitment to professionalism Meg Walker [email protected] Submit letters to: and accountability. I offer 29 Basil Waugh [email protected] years of success and experience. The Editor, UBC Reports Don Wells UBC Public Affairs Office (address above); Please call me for any university Advertising Sarah Walker [email protected] by fax to 604.822.2684; real estate market information, Publisher UBC Reports is published monthly by: or by e-mail to [email protected] current evaluation of your Top Volume Producer UBC Public Affairs Office or call 604.UBC.NEWS (604.822.6397) property or any real estate Dunbar Office 310 – 6251 Cecil Green Park Road assistance that you may require. 1999 – 2007 Vancouver BC Canada V6T 1Z1 Printed on 30% post consumer paper. Member MLS Medallion Club DEXTER ASSOCIATES REALTY 1999 – 2007 PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40775044 604.228.9339 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO CIRCULATION DEPT. 310—6251 CECIL GREEN PARK ROAD, VANCOUVER, B.C. CANADA V6T 1Z1 EMAIL: [email protected]

UBC Reports is printed by Teldon Print Media which is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certified. FSC Certification is a code of practices developed by the environmental movement as if they were the various government agencies that regulate logging, pulp and paper making practices. These environmentally www.victoriabell.ca sound practices have been taken out to the industry, adopted where possible and consequently there is FSC Certified paper available today. Companies operating in all three aspects of the industry have a distinct advantage over those that don’t because FSC Certification is a “chain-of-custody” cell 604.209.1382 process that follows the virgin fibre from the forest to the finished paper product. The real value of FSC Certification lies in this ability to track the fibre from the source and audit all the industrial processes used from tree to paper and then finally to brand the finished printed product with the appropriate FSC logo. UBC REPORTS | JULY 3 , 2 0 0 8 |  PHOTO: MARTIN DEE Jack Taunton is responsible for basic and emergency health and doping control for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Sports doc has a dream come true

BY BASIL WAUGH is assembling a team of 2,700 upcoming 61st birthday by massive undertaking is well medical volunteers to care running his 61st marathon. underway. A ski jumper lands wrong and for the more than 1.5 million Despite being the picture of “There were 1,200 people breaks her spine. Food poisoning spectators, media, volunteers and health, he is lucky to be alive. hospitalized in the Torino Winter takes out a bobsled team. A athletes expected to attend. “It Shortly before the 2000 Olympics,” says Taunton, who skate blade clips a speed skater doesn’t get any better than the Games, where he was CMO for was born in Montreal. “Athletes and blood gushes onto the ice. biggest international sporting the Canadian Olympic team, represented only 15 per cent of These are just some of the event in your city and country.” he underwent surgery for a medical encounters, the rest were nightmare scenarios that UBC’s “We are working to make quadruple bypass heart attack. volunteers, spectators and media Want to volunteer Jack Taunton is busy preparing these the safest, healthiest games “I have been given a second with relatively minor injuries. at the 2010 Olympic for as VANOC’s Chief Medical ever,” says Taunton, who co- chance,” says Taunton, who We will be treating these people and Paralympic Winter Officer (CMO) for the 2010 founded both Vancouver’s Sun was attracted to medicine after in our own facilities, outside the Winter Games. Responsible for Run and UBC’s Allan McGavin suffering from polio as child hospital system.” Games? basic and emergency health care Sports Medicine Clinic. “We and a severe car accident as a Aside from a clean bill of Members of the UBC want our games drug-free, teen. “I’m cherishing my family, health, Taunton wants the 2010 and doping control for 2010, community who want to Taunton will be in Beijing this tobacco-free and – an Olympic my team, and the challenge of Games to leave a rich medical volunteer for 2010 can apply summer monitoring medical first – transfat-free,” he says. preparing for 2010.” legacy. So far, big ticket items through VANOC at programs for the International VANOC medical partners With VANOC vowing that include a new blood doping lab, www.vancouver2010.com/en. Olympic Committee (IOC). include B.C.’s Ministry of Health, the games will not materially a new CAT Scan in Whistler, 145 To view UBC’s volunteer “For a sports physician, being Vancouver Coastal Health and impact B.C.’s health care system, treatment beds, defibrillators and statement for faculty and CMO for 2010 is a dream the IOC. and little existing medical training. staff, visit www.hr.ubc.ca. come true,” says Taunton, who Taunton will celebrate his infrastructure in Whistler, the

Hungry for another gold

BY MEG WALKER the performance nutrition international competitions to recommendations made for prepare for the Paralympics. Peanut butter and jelly able-bodied athletes,” she Krempien says her colleagues sandwich, a banana and half says. “Physiologically and and especially her MSc a granola bar. These simple metabolically, athletes with supervisor, Dr. Susan Barr, have comfort foods make up Jennifer a spinal cord injury are very been extremely supportive and Krempien’s favorite pre-game different than their able-bodied understanding of the time needed meal and she plans to continue colleagues.” to prepare for committing to the ritual when she competes Krempien started playing gold. with the Canadian Women’s wheelchair basketball at age 9. Krempien says the thing National Wheelchair Basketball In 1992, she joined the Canadian she looks forward to most at Team this September. women’s national team and the 2008 Paralympic Games A pediatric clinical dietitian played in her first Paralympic is leaving a legacy for the at B.C. Children’s Hospital, Games in , where almost one million people with Krempien has a unique the team won gold. In her 16 disabilities living in Beijing. “I relationship to food. For her years with the team, Canada hope that having Beijing host Master’s of Science in Human has won three Paralympic gold the Paralympics will initiate Nutrition at UBC, she is looking medals, including the 1996 major improvements in overall at the nutrient intakes of elite Games and the 2000 accessibility and break down Canadian athletes with a spinal Sydney Games. The team also some of the cultural barriers cord injury and some of the won bronze at the Athens 2004 that face people with disabilities factors that are influencing those Paralympic Games and four currently,” she says. “I am intakes. World Championship gold hopeful [the people of Beijing] “I am interested in this medals. will be able to look beyond the topic because as an athlete The year leading up to Beijing disability and be awed by the with a spinal cord injury, I has been very demanding, as raw human potential on display.” PHOTO: BOGETTI-SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY was struggling to interpret the team has been to several Jennifer Krempien dominates the court.  | UBC REPORTS | JULY 3 , 2 0 0 8 Olympic vet reflects on UBC education

BY BEN SCHACH

Brian Johns won 33 gold medals competing as a Thunderbird, claiming only one silver at the CIS level in his five years in the pool, a loss to fellow three-time Olympian Rick Say in his freshman season. As Johns prepares to represent Canada at his third straight Olympic Games, he has had time to reflect on his time as a Thunderbird. “UBC has allowed me to get a well-rounded education,” said the 25-year-old Richmond native who plans to finish his Human Kinetics degree after Beijing. “The challenges that the university provided me, not only in the water but also in school, have helped me become a better athlete and a better leader on the team. “Not only that, but the relationships that I’ve developed as part of the swim team have helped me not only be the best right now, but also after I’m done swimming.” PHOTO: MARTIN DEE The most decorated Thunderbird of all-time, Brian Johns, prepares to represent Canada at his third Olympic Games. Pierse dynasty fuels UBC dominance

BY BEN SCHACH

When the swimming portion of the Olympic Games is held this August in Beijing’s highly touted Water Cube, one Canadian to keep your eye on is going to be UBC Thunderbird Annamay Pierse. The Canadian record holder in the 50, 100, and 200 metre breaststroke, Pierse is ranked in the top five in the world in the 200 m this year and could be in the mix to final in the 100 m as well. “Its been a lot of hard work, and a lot of ups and downs, but the last year and a half has just been phenomenal and more than I could have ever asked for,” said the 24-year-old first-time Olympian. Another time to keep your eye out for the Pierse family name and that will be at the 2009 CIS PHOTO: RICHARD LAM Swimming Championships set Thunderbird Annamay Pierse, pictured above on her way to victory in the 200 m breaststroke at this year’s CIS Championship, is currently ranked for this coming February at the fifth in the world in the event. UBC Aquatic Centre. That time, however, there will Already a teammate of eleventh straight national Getting to train with family dominance at the top of women’s be three sets of Pierse results to Annamay, a psychology major, women’s title. isn’t all about hard work. “It CIS swimming could continue compare. is younger sister, Hanna, who “It’s so good to get to train can be really fun as well to train for many years to come. A native of , Pierse is studying Arts. The two with Hanna now because with Hanna, except sometimes “If all goes to plan, hopefully is the eldest from a family of five breaststroke and individual growing up I was always in a she gets the brunt of my bad one day each of my sisters will girls and two boys, and with the medley specialists recently different group than her because moods because I know she can have the chance to come to UBC arrival of younger sister Grainee combined for six individual of age,” said Pierse, who at 24 take it and will always be there and enjoy it as much as I have.” to the Point Grey Campus in medals, including five gold, at is five years older than her next for me,” said Pierse. For now, though, three seems September, the UBC women the 2008 CIS Championships as youngest sister. “It has been With younger sisters Fionnuala to be more than enough fuel Thunderbirds pool will be UBC extended their dominance really good to see how much she and Patricia, both swimmers on to keep UBC’s streak alive and stocked with three Pierses. over CIS Swimming with an has improved in the last year.” the rise in their own right, UBC’s kicking. UBC REPORTS | JULY 3 , 2 0 0 8 |  World champ seeking Olympic glory

BY BEN SCHACH For one, a sub-48-second 100 freestyle, a result that seemed Athens in 2004 was supposed fairly improbable one year ago, to be former UBC Thunderbird appears now to be the standard Brent Hayden’s coming out necessary to claim any medal in party. A rising star on the Beijing. Canadian swim scene, he was As it stands, Hayden’s poised to make his mark on the Canadian record from his World world stage. Championships triumph of 48.43 As most people know, must be erased by a significant however, even the best laid plans margin if he is to earn gold. can go awry. Even with a Games The whole Canadian team appearance under his belt, struggled and failed to claim a the pressure and awe of the single medal in the pool, with Olympic atmosphere can still be Hayden not even contesting the overwhelming. 100 metre freestyle, an event And then there is Hayden’s he won at the 2007 World back, with a bulging disc that Championships in Melbourne. has given him problems all year Fast forward to 2008, and and forced him to pass on the 50 Hayden is once again seeking m freestyle at this year’s Olympic to make his mark on the biggest Trials. stage in the swimming world. Knowing all of this, Hayden There can be no greater has been able to maintain a level achievement for a Canadian head and balanced approach. swimmer than to earn a gold “I am just looking at this one medal in the men’s 100 m [the 100 freestyle in Beijing] as freestyle at the Olympic Games. another race. I’m trying not to “I’ve gotten little bit more think about the pressure and experience this time around, and Defending 100 m freestyle world champion Brent Hayden will be battling for gold in Beijing. expectations that people have of I think before Athens I was just me because the pressure I have kind of getting ready to go the ready to go and win medals, so more obstacles to overcome.” navigate if he wishes to translate put on myself is enough,” said Olympics,” said the 24-year-old my preparation is a little more There are a number of his 2007 world title into Hayden. Hayden. “This time I am getting serious but I’ve also had a few obstacles Hayden will have to Olympic gold.

Tap and rope guide swimmer to victory

BY BRIAN LIN most is how do I avoid swimming into the wall, and At age 24, new UBC grad how I swim in a straight line,” Donovan Tildesley has broken explains Tildesley. two world records, won a dozen Using the lane rope as a gold medals in international guide, Tildesley must keep his swim meets and is part of Team arms straight and centred as to Canada for the third time in the keep on course. “As I get tired, Paralympic Games in Beijing this keeping my arms symmetrical summer. becomes more difficult, but that’s The Vancouver native is also part of the sport.” a motivational speaker and part Since graduating from UBC owner of a small radio station in this spring with an English Whistler, B.C. degree, Tildesley has been Tildesley, who was born busy speaking at schools and blind, won a bronze medal in community events on behalf of the 2000 Sydney Paralympics the RBC Olympians Program. and two silver and one more “I love it as much as competing bronze medal in Athens in 2004. in the pool,” says Tildesley. “It’s He’s currently the No. 2-ranked a chance to step outside myself swimmer with a disability in the and tell my story. world in the 400-metre freestyle. “If I can enrich, inspire or “Competing in the help change someone’s life, that Paralympics was one of the most makes me happy.” amazing experiences in my life,” Another thing that makes says Tildesley, who began racing Tildesley happy involves skis at age nine with the help of his and may not be everybody’s cup father and coach Hugh, a former of tea. “There’s nothing more competitive swimmer. thrilling than being on top of Hugh is also Donovan’s Spanky’s Ladder on Blackcomb “tapper,” charged with the vital and making the 500 vertical feet task of tapping his son on the drop.” head with a pole when he’s one Now imagine doing that with stroke away from the wall. your eyes closed. “The questions I get asked PHOTO: MARTIN DEE Donovan Tildesley will be representing Canada in the Paralympic Games for the third time this summer.  | UBC REPORTS | JULY 3 , 2 0 0 8 Broad strokes power Olympic success

BY CATHERINE LOIACONO six-minute race,” says Wetzel. in the freshman at Berkley, members of the boat must be the majority of the crew has “Meeting and delivering on California. His extraordinary completely synchronized, unified Olympic experience. Over the ’s conceptual goal expectations is the greatest talent was immediately noticed, and in tune with each other so next few weeks we will continue for the Beijing Olympics is to mental challenge of the and he made the Canadian that together they function as to improve physically and take one eight hundredths of a Olympics.” National Team in his first year one unit,” says Wetzel. technically.” second out of his life. That was Born in Saskatoon, – a rare accomplishment for any His team recently raced in the For Wetzel, the Beijing the margin of defeat for UBC Saskatchewan to an American rower. He has won three world Europe World Cup, which is the Olympics is his last shot to bring student Wetzel and his three father and Swedish mother, championships – two for Canada only pre-Olympic test event and home a gold medal. “ When the teammates in finishing second Wetzel holds dual citizenship in and one for the United States. His won by a boat length. “Everyone athletic chapter of my life draws to Great Britain in the rowing Canada and the United States. latest world championship was in we will be facing in Beijing to a close I look forward to the coxless four event at the 2004 He started out as a mountain 2007 when he joined UBC. was at that race and we did challenge of returning to UBC in Athens Olympics. biker on the Canadian Junior This summer, Wetzel will be exceptionally well,” says Wetzel. order to complete my Masters in “The Olympics is an Cycling team, but was inspired rowing in the men’s eight event “Everything is coming together Finance and I hope to continue accumulation of a lifetime of by the 1996 Olympics rowing in Beijing and he is confident his now. We are a well-oiled machine on and attain a PhD.” training brought together in a competition and in 1997 started team can win gold. “In the eight, and we have the advantage that PHOTO: COURTESY OF JAKE WETZEL Jake Wetzel (centre) will row for gold in the men’s eight in Beijing, after winning a silver medal in the coxless fours in Athens. UBC rowers living a legacy

BY DON WELLS long line of UBC rowers to make first-place ranking going into their mark in Olympic history. the 2004 Olympics, Canada Seventy six years ago, a young Both are members of Canada’s finished a disappointing fifth oarsman named Ned Pratt eight-man crew, which will go to at the Athens games. Rutledge, became the first UBC student Beijing ranked first in the world however, is confident that to win an Olympic medal, by the International Rowing experience will pay off this time claiming a bronze in the double Federation, following a gold- around in Beijing. sculls in 1932 in Los Angeles medal finish at a pre-Olympic “The pressure of being ranked and triggering a decades- World Cup event last month in number one is the same,” he long succession of Olympic Lucerne, Switzerland. says. “Having been there before, appearances for UBC rowers. “We’re going there to win,’” we’re better able to deal with Rarely has an Olympic year says Hamilton from the national that pressure.” passed since when Thunderbird team training site at Elk Lake The biggest challenges, crew members and former just outside Victoria. “Lucerne according to Hamilton, will crew members – both men and was a really good tester. We come from long-time traditional women - have not been among were three seconds faster than contenders from the USA, Canada’s Olympic hopefuls. the second-place boat which is a Australia, England and Germany, The Games of 1956, ’60 and ’64 huge margin at that level.” and more recently, China. “The were particularly fruitful, with While still attending UBC, the Chinese are really coming Former UBC Rowers and celebrate a crews consisting entirely of UBC pair joined Canada’s national on strong,” he says. “These triumph as part of Team Canada. students winning medals in each team program in 2002, and Olympics are very important to of those years. in their first year won gold them.” experiences at UBC. better you get at it, the harder it Recent graduates Ben Rutledge medals in the eight at the World While both admit that “The spirit and camaraderie of becomes. Without the coaches of Cranbrook (Commerce) Championships in , is has been a big leap from a crew sport that I experienced and the excitement around and Kyle Hamilton (Arts) of Spain. In spite of numerous university rowing to elite at UBC led me to pursue my rowing at UBC, I probably Richmond are currently vying international podium finishes international competition, they path,” says Rutledge. “Rowing is wouldn’t have stuck with it.” to become the most recent in a that followed, and a similar speak reverently of their early very hard on your body, and the UBC REPORTS | JULY 3 , 2 0 0 8 |  T-Birds soar on field hockey team PHOTO: EUGENE LIN Canada’s Olympic field hockey team could boast nine T-Birds: (from left to right) Mark Pearson, , Philip Wright, Marian Schole, , Anthony Wright and David Carter. Not pictured: Former T-Birds and Connor Grimes.

BY BASIL WAUGH expected on the squad, they will and former T-Birds Mike other is going to be on the field.” Canada to medal, Anthony form nearly half of the team. Mahood (goal) and Connor Playing for UBC (and former Wright is excited to hit the pitch Before Canada created “Making the Olympics is like Grimes (forward). Most have Canadian Olympic) coach Shiaz in Beijing. a national sports program, our Stanley Cup,” says Anthony played together since they could Virjee, the T-Birds have racked “This gets Canada’s foot university teams donned the Wright (defense), who hopes to first hold a stick, introduced to up an impressive record, not in the door, and gives us an maple leaf for the Olympics. be joined by his brother Philip the sport by parents or siblings losing a Vancouver Men’s Field opportunity to play at the There were two UBC rowing (forward) on the Vancouver- in Vancouver’s tight-knit field Hockey Premier Division game highest level,” he says. “It is teams at the 1958 Melbourne based team. “I’ve been thinking hockey community. since 2005. a great step and we are very Games alone – one bringing about it since I was five, so it is a “We have played together More recently, UBC’s players excited to be involved.” home UBC’s first Olympic gold dream come true.” so long that we are all kind of have helped Canada do what For more on UBC field hockey medal, another winning silver. Also expected in Beijing are like brothers,” says Tupper, who no men’s field hockey team has and the Wrights, who are third- While this varsity tradition has fellow T-Birds Mark Pearson has played with the Wrights done since 2000: qualify for generation Olympians, visit largely fallen by the wayside, tell (forward), David Jameson since grade school, and recently the Olympics. While it would http://www.publicaffairs.ubc. that to Canada’s men’s Olympic (midfielder) Marian Schole recovered from having his eye take a major upset over the ca/ubcreports/2008/08may01/ field hockey team. With as many (midfielder), Scott Tupper socket broken by an errant stick. sports’ superpowers – Australia, wright.html. of nine UBC Thunderbirds (defense), David Carter (goal) “By now, we know where each Pakistan and Holland – for

Thelma Wright on the Munich Olympics

BY LORRAINE CHAN then a 20-year-old UBC student, the entire three-block Olympic had competed in the 1,500-metre Village – once bright and festive Thelma Wright saw first hand event for women. She failed to – was now ringed “bumper to how terrorism hijacked the 1972 make the finals and went out bumper by military trucks and Summer Olympics in Munich. on the town with her husband, soldiers with guns, including an On September 5, Palestinian Lee Wright, a UBC graduate and armed escort in our elevator,” terrorists infiltrated the Olympic field hockey star, to “drown her says Wright. Village, captured hostages and sorrows,” recalls Wright. Four years later in 1976, killed 11 members of the Israeli They returned late to the Wright had a chance to Olympic team. Olympic Village, bidding each experience a more peaceful “It was horrendous,” says other goodnight next to the Olympics, this time in Montreal. Wright, “to see how our German Israeli building. Wright went To read more about the hosts’ faces changed, from big upstairs to the women’s quarters. Wrights, a remarkable Olympian open, friendly smiles, to looking The next morning, she was family, visit: http://www. stunned, sickened and even awakened by the screaming of an publicaffairs.ubc.ca/ubcreports/

PHOTO: COURTESY OF THELMA WRIGHTfearful.” Israeli female athlete. 2008/08may01/wright.html Thelma Wright at a 1971 Canada-Italy meet in Palermo, Sicily. Just the previous day, Wright, Under military lockdown,  | UBC REPORTS | JULY 3 , 2 0 0 8 Achieving excellence one lap at a time PHOTO: MARTIN DEE Canadian Olympic Swim Team (and former T-Bird) coach Tom Johnson says UBC swimmers will make a splash in Beijing.

BY CATHERINE LOIACONO sport. “The same principles The best advice Johnson has required in sport apply to to offer aspiring athletes and Under the guidance of head academic and career success,” students is to live their dream, be Faculty of Medicine coach Tom Johnson, the 2008 says Johnson. “At UBC, we present in the moment and value Through knowledge, creating health Canadian Swim Team’s chances have been able to create an the journey. “Only then will for Olympic success look good. opportunity for prospective they be able to experience and Associate Dean, Graduate and Postdoctoral Education And UBC’s swimmers are students to follow more than appreciate the highs and learn The Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia invites expected to bring home medals. one passion and be successful in from the lows.” applications and nominations for the position of Associate Dean, This veteran swim coach both.” Graduate and Postdoctoral Education. This is a part-time, term position – who spent 16 successful years Johnson’s work led to Swim expected to be filled by an internal candidate and is available September 1, 2008. coaching UBC’s Varsity team Canada designating UBC’s A demonstrated track record in leadership in an academic health – has completed a few laps of Aquatic Centre as one of nine environment and excellent communication skills are essential. Salary the pool himself. Johnson placed high performance centres in for this position will be determined by qualifications and experience. 19 swimmers on the 2000, 2004 Canada in 1998. “We used The incumbent will report to the Senior Associate Dean, Research, and and 2008 Canadian Olympic an integrated approach and through the Senior Associate Dean, is accountable to the Dean. He or she will also supervise the Post Doctorate Coordinator with support teams. He was a member of collaborated with community from the Research Secretary. Responsibilities include: provide Canada’s coaching staff at programs including the UBC leadership in assuring excellence in the training of Faculty of Medicine eight Olympic Games, nine Varsity Team, the National graduate students and postdoctoral fellows at all geographic sites of graduate training; facilitate strong graduate programs in the Faculty of world championships and eight Team and the Pacific Dolphins,” Medicine; monitor graduate programs in the Faculty and work with the . His says Johnson. The UBC Aquatic Faculty of Graduate Studies to implement policy; facilitate a supportive clubs won 15 national team titles Centre remains one of only environment for students, supervisors and graduate advisors; represent the Faculty of Medicine in appropriate university, provincial and and 21 Canadian Interuniversity two National Aquatic Centres national forums and allocate graduate student awards. Sport national championships. in Canada following some Johnson believes his UBC structural reorganization after Olympic hopefuls – Brian Johns the 2004 Athens Olympics. The and Brent Hayden, who are other is in Montreal. Faculty of Medicine, Dean’s Office http://www.med.ubc.ca part of the 27-member team, Johnson says the Beijing are primed for the 2008 Beijing Olympics will be more Applications, accompanied by a The Faculty of Medicine at UBC, detailed curriculum vitae and names together with its partners including Summer Olympics and will challenging and competitive of three references, should be B.C.’s Health Authorities, provides return with medals in hand. because more nations have put a directed to: innovative programs in the areas of health and life sciences through a “Patience, concentration, priority on swimming. However, province-wide delivery model. The perseverance and self-discipline he feels the unrealized potential Faculty teaches students at the Dr. Alison Buchan are the four fundamental tenets at the last Olympics combined Senior Associate Dean, Research undergraduate, graduate and Faculty of Medicine postgraduate levels and generates more to achieve Olympic success,” with the renewed focus on sport University of British Columbia than $200 million in research funding each year. It is home to Canada’s first says Johnson, who also heads in advance of 2010 is helping # 317, Instructional Resources distributed MD undergraduate the National Aquatic Centre coaches, athletes, administrators Centre program. 2194 Health Sciences Mall at UBC. “These 27 athletes are and the public at large to better Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z3 committed to their sport and understand what it takes to win. continuously demonstrate that According to Johnson no Applications will be accepted until they are comfortable being career is a linear progression. the position is filled. uncomfortable. They have what “Athletes must realize that they it takes to make the podium.” will not swim great all the time As UBC’s Varsity Swim Coach, but need to swim great at the THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA Johnson was instrumental in right time,” says Johnson. “That UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment developing UBC’s reputation as is what the Olympics and life equity. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply; however, a top destination for athletes are all about - being the best Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. wanting to pursue higher you possibly can at the right www.ubc.ca & www.med.ubc.ca education and high performance moments.” UBC REPORTS | JULY 3 , 2 0 0 8 | 

INTRODUCING Xerox Nuvera 120 EA Frick’s wheel-life journey the BEST in B/W digital printing High Volume Printer with new EA toner, comparable to or exceeds offset level output, began at UBC finer lines, higher levels of detailing and a smooth matte finish, half tone screens to 156 lpi. Quality Digital Printing and Copying Service • Reports • Newsletters • Flyers • Booklets • Training Manuals •Resumes • Powerpoint Handouts • Sell Sheets • Plus more Visit our in-Store full service Post Office 20 years of Excellence www.copiesplus.ca 1950 West Broadway 604-731-7868 Open 7 Days Mon-Fri 8am-9pm Sat-Sun 10am-6pm PHOTO: COURTESY OF CANADIAN WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL ASSOC. Coached by UBC alumnus Tim Frick (back row, centre) and former T-Bird coach Bruce Enns (back row, 3rd from right), Canada’s top-ranked women’s wheelchair basketball squad includes UBC student Jennifer Krem- pien (No. 4, front row), alumna Patricia Nicholson (not pictured) and former UBC coach Misty Thomas (No. 14, second row). After multiple knee injuries, Thomas is set to become the first Canadian Olympian to compete in the Paralympics.

BY DON WELLS – most of them gold. devoted volunteer coach for “Rick had a big influence both wheelchair basketball and One of the most successful on my life,” says Frick. “My volleyball. His commitment to coaches in Canadian paralympic experiences with him made me advancing sport opportunities history, Tim Frick says his career decide to focus on adaptive for disabled athletes one day WE’RE OPEN path can be traced directly back physical education, which is the led him to the bedside of Terry to his undergraduate days in area in which I did my master’s Fox, who had just lost his leg to Accommodations to match our spectacular setting! what was then UBC’s School degree.” cancer. He convinced Fox to play 8BSN XFMDPNJOHTVJUFT,JUDIFOT ºBUQBOFM57BOEXJSFMFTT of Physical Education. It was “There were other incredible wheelchair basketball, and later JOUFSOFU/BUVSBMXPPEBOETUPOF LJOHCFETXJUIMVYVSZMJOFOT  there in 1977 he met a young people at UBC in those days too became his coach too. DPOWFOJFOUMZMPDBUFEPODBNQVT wheelchair athlete and fellow – coaches like Peter Mullins, Currently on a one-year leave "MMOFX3JHIUIFSF physical education student Lionel Pugh, Bob Hindmarch from his job teaching sport named . and Jack and Marilyn Pomfret. sciences at Douglas College, Inspired by Hansen and They all became my unofficial Frick is quietly optimistic about others at UBC, Frick began a mentors. They didn’t know it, his team’s chances in Beijing, lifelong pursuit of coaching but they were.” although he agrees with many XXXVCDDPOGFSFODFTDPN wheelchair athletes. His many Frick and Hansen remained other coaches that the Chinese 3FTFSWBUJPOT5PMM'SFF coaching triumphs eventually close friends and colleagues after will rise to this historical culminated in him being named graduation, with Frick coaching occasion. head coach of the Canadian Hansen in wheelchair marathon, “Australia, Germany and the National Women’s Wheelchair and later playing a key role in USA are always going to be Basketball Team in 1990. helping to launch and stage the strong,” says the Order of British www.mediagroup.ubc.ca Under his guidance, Canada Man in Motion World Tour that Columbia recipient, “but I think has won medals in every raised millions for spinal cord the Chinese will surprise a lot of Paralympic Games and World research. people.” Championships since 1992 At the same time, he was a GRAPHIC Your UBC creative resource DESIGN

VIDEO & MEDIA Creative Services PRODUCTION photography L medical illustration video and media production L graphic design

ILLUSTRATION Photography L PHOTOGRAPHY award-winning images captured in studio or on location L featured in UBC Reports, Focus, and more LARGE FORMAT COLOUR Medical Illustration PRINTING L combining technology, art skills and detailed knowledge for a variety of medical disciplines DIGITAL PRINTING Video & Media Production L complete digital video and multimedia LAMINATION production from concept to completion Graphic Design AV EQUIPMENT L specializing in design & layout for the & MEDIA SALES academic, educational & healthcare communities AV SERVICES & MAINTENANCE Situated on campus at: The Media Group Woodward IRC Building, Rm B32 2194 Health Sciences Mall Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Lower level of To 10th Woodward IRC Email: [email protected] Ave Building T: (604) 822-5561 F: (604) 822-2004 Wesbrook Mall www.mediagroup.ubc.ca d v N l B

y t i s r e v

i Agronomy Rd

PHOTO: BOGETTI-SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY n Health Science U Mall Head Coach Tim Frick has been leading the Canadian National Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team since 1990. 1 0 | UBC REPORTS | JULY 3 , 2 0 0 8

Pension concerns? Investment worries? The 2008 UBC team Wondering what to do?

“Second Opinion” Financial Forums

Clients and friends employed at UBC frequently ask us for advice regarding their quarterly pension decisions. A few suggested we hold a series of forums on topical financial planning issues.

Join us for the first in a series of one hour informal discussions entitled “Second Opinion” to be held on campus about pension and investment management choices you need to make.

We will hold the first in the series on: July 9 2008 with a choice of times 11:30 am–12:30 pm & 1:30 pm–2:30 pm at the Peter Wall Centre in the small conference room

The forums are complimentary, and carry no obligation.

Presented by Doug Schwann B.Admin Jack Fournier CFP Investment Advisor Investment Advisor • UBC athletes have participated in the Olympic Games since the 1928 Games in Amsterdam • At least 215 athletes, coaches and support staff from UBC have participated in the Olympic Games (604) 669 1143 • At least 25 athletes, coaches and support staff from UBC have participated in Dundee Securities Corporation, Member CIPF, is a DundeeWealth Inc. Company the Paralympic Games, including Man in Motion Rick Hansen • UBC Olympians have captured 54 medals, including 15 gold, 22 silver and 17 bronze • UBC Paralympians have captured 55 medals, including 24 gold, 13 silver and Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies 17 bronze • With three gold medals and one bronze, rower Kathleen Heddle is UBC’s most Exploratory Workshop Grant decorated OIympian • UBC’s most decorated Paralympian is Walter Wu, whose 16 medals in Exploratory Workshops provide funding for bringing together swimming include 8 gold researchers from different disciplines at UBC with distinguished • The most recent UBC medalist is Jeff Pain, a former UBC track and field athlete external experts to work jointly toward assessing the research possibilities in a new area. Typically, Exploratory Workshops will who captured silver in skeleton at the 2006 Games in Torino, Italy take place over a period of several days and have a mix of open and closed sessions. The amount of the award is up to $20,000. For more UBC Olympic and Paralympic coverage, see www.ubc.ca/beijing. Next Application Deadline: October 1, 2008 BEIJING OLYMPIC PICTOGRAMS: CHINA CENTRAL ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS M a j o r t h EM a t i c G r a n t

The Major Thematic Grant provides funding of up to $500,000 over Beijing-bound UBC Olympians, Paralympians, Donovan Tildesley, Vancouver, B.C. (Swimming) a three to five-year period to a broad interdisciplinary team of UBC coaches and support staff: Hugh Tildesley, Rosemere, QC (Swimming coach) and external scholars to research a new area of basic research. It is expected that UBC will become a centre for research on the topic. Shiaz Virjee (Field hockey) Applicants for a Major Thematic Grant must first have applied for Jaimie Borisoff, Vancouver, B.C. Jake Wetzel, Saskatoon, SK(Rowing) and held a successful Peter Wall Exploratory Workshop within the (Wheelchair basketball) previous two years. Contact the Director for details. Scott Fraser, Vancouver, B.C. (Physiotherapist) Hopefuls (teams still pending): Next Letter of Intent Deadline: October 1, 2008 Tim Frick, Port Coquitlam, B.C. (Wheelchair basketball coach) David Carter, Vancouver, B.C. (Field hockey) c o l l o q u i a Nikola Girke, West Vancouver, B.C. (Windsurfing) Bruce Enns, Winnipeg, MB Colloquia are usually held during the lunch hour or late afternoon Kyle Hamilton, Richmond, B.C. (Rowing) (Wheelchair basketball coach) in the Institute’s conference rooms and are open to the University Brent Hayden, Maple Ridge, B.C. (Swimming) David Jameson, North Vancouver, B.C. community. The Institute provides accommodation for a distinguished visiting speaker of interest to an interdisciplinary Brian Johns, Richmond, B.C. (Swimming) (Field hockey) audience, the meeting venue, and a luncheon for up to twelve Tom Johnson, Montreal, QC (Swimming coach) Connor Grimes, Duncan, B.C. (Field Hockey) guests. Eugene Liang, Vancouver, B.C. (Massage therapist) Jennifer Krempien, St. Albert, AB Requests may be made at any time during the year. Mike Leigh, Vancouver, B.C. (Sailing) (Wheelchair basketball) Ron Mattison, Quesnel, B.C. (Physiotherapist) Mike Mahood, North Vancouver, B.C. t h EME D E v E l o p ME nt Workshops Bob McCormack (Canada’s Chief Medical Officer) (Field Hockey) Theme Development Workshops are very informal meetings of UBC Don McKenzie, Richmond, B.C. (Physician) Mike Mason, Nanoose Bay, B.C. (Track and field) researchers typically held in the Institute’s conference rooms over Joseph Nagy, Hungary (Swimming coach) Brooks McNiven, Terrace, B.C. (Baseball) several hours and closed to all but invited participants. The sessions, which often lead to Exploratory Workshop applications, allow Patricia Nicholson, Richmond B.C. Mark Pearson, Vancouver, B.C. (Field hockey) researchers to come together with colleagues across the campus to (Wheelchair basketball) Marian Schole, Berlin, Germany (Field hockey) share initial ideas on researching a particular theme. The meeting Richard Peter, Vancouver, B.C. Jeff Standfield, Vancouver, B.C. (Rowing) venue and a budget for a light meal are provided. (Wheelchair basketball) Misty Thomas, Santa Monica, CA Requests may be made at any time during the year. Annamay Pierse, Edmonton, AB (Swimming) (Wheelchair basketball) Nadine Plotnikoff, Vancouver, B.C. (Physiotherapist) Scott Tupper, Vancouver, B.C. (Field hockey) For more information, please drop in on the top floor Marc Rizzardo (Soccer physiotherapist) Rob Weitemeyer, Coquitlam, B.C. (Rowing) of the University Centre, visit our website at Ben Rutledge, Cranbrook, B.C. (Rowing) Anthony Wright, Vancouver, B.C. (Field hockey) www.pwias.ubc.ca, or call us at (604) 822-4782. Babak Shadgan, Tehran, Iran (Wrestling doctor) Phillip Wright, Vancouver, B.C. (Field hockey) Jack Taunton, Montreal, QC (2010 Chief Medical Officer) UBC REPORTS | JULY 3 , 2 0 0 8 | 1 1 Academic rigour makes for earned runs

BY BRIAN LIN

Rigorous academic demands at UBC have helped Olympic hopeful Brooks McNiven make a career out of playing baseball. “Very few people in pro ball finish college,” says McNiven, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Kinetics. “I received a first-rate education and more importantly, learned to manage my time and it’s made me a better player. “Unlike some American schools that let athletes off easy, you earn your degree at UBC,” says the right-hand pitcher. First drafted in the 46th round by the Blue Jays in 1999, McNiven came to UBC in the same year on a baseball scholarship. He played on the gold medal-winning Team BC at the Canada Games in 2001 and was on the NAIA All Region team for 2002 and 2003 before embarking on his first professional season with the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes in Salem, Oregon. Since then, McNiven has played for the San Jose Giants, the Connecticut Defenders, as well as with Team Canada at the 2007 World Cup and the 2008 Olympic qualifier for the Beijing Games. Representing Canada in the Olympics would be “unbelievable,” says McNiven, who also played hockey, volleyball and basketball in high school in Vernon, B.C. “All of us have watched hockey players play for the country. To do that in baseball is the opportunity of PHOTO: COURTESY OF BROOKS McNIVEN a lifetime.” Pitcher Brooks McNiven credits rigorous academic demands at UBC for making him a better baseball player.

Fast boat to China BY MEG WALKER

When Mike Leigh was a student at UBC, the competitive sailor used some of the knowledge from his kinesiology courses to shape his training program. That was in 2003, when the Vancouverite was preparing to sail a laser – a small, one-person sailboat – at the 2004 Olympics. In 2005, his hard work paid off: Leigh landed enough sponsorship to sail full time, and he put his studies on hold. One of his favorite things about sailing is the constant learning the sport requires. “In sailing, there’s always more to learn because in each course there is new information about currents and wind to absorb,” he explains. “You also have to get to know the other racers, learn their habits and tactically position yourself in relation to them on the course.” Leigh also does some yacht racing, stretching his skills by learning new vessels whenever he PHOTO: COURTESY OF MIKE LEIGH can. In March 2008 he won the Mike Leigh finds his best racing position. Laser Radial Championship in New Zealand. to vessel when he competes at be provided to the athletes on Leigh is pumping up the competing in several European Leigh will apply his skill at the Olympics: the hull, mast arrival, so there will be minimal volume and intensity of his regattas. He hopes to fly when the being able to move from vessel and boom of the boats will only time to learn the new equipment. schedule before Beijing by wind rises on the Yellow Sea. 1 2 | UBC REPORTS | JULY 3 , 2 0 0 8

I\k`i\I\k`i\

Rogers2007UBC.indd 1 2/25/08 11:59:58 AM File Name: Rogers2007UBC This proof is: Feb 25 08 Docket #: 8016 Picture Info: Hi-Res 12 Product: Ad Size: 10w x 15.875h Ad #: RFG8016UBCcover Fonts: Village Roman, Trade Gothic Suitcased: Digital Artist: Alexis Producer: Wendy Art Director: Iain Writer: Iain Account: Andrea Proof Reader: Wendy 3 C Y M K Final File: Hi-res pdf Shipped: Wed 23 Jan 2008 Date: Wed 23 Jan 2008

Irving + Co. 400 -220 Cambie Street Vancouver BC, V6B 2M9 T: 604.684.8933 F: 684.8934