On 23 July, the world is reuniting for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. This once in every four-year event brings the best athletes together for the biggest sporting spectacle on the planet with the goal of building a better world through sport.
But Olympians + Paralympians past, present and future don’t just wait every four years to take action for a better planet. From every corner of the globe Olympians are masking up as PADI Scuba Divers to create balance between humanity and the ocean and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps once again.
Nancy J Olmsted: x2 Canadian Olympian (1984 and 1988), Canoeing
After winning over 50 National Championship medals and appearing in two Olympic Games in Canoeing, Nancy Olmsted has transitioned to other sports that allow her to still stay connected to the water. As a PADI Scuba Instructor, Nancy continues to inspire future generations to make a difference for the planet.
Alana Nichols: x7 American Paralympian (2008-2021), Wheelchair Basketball, Kayaking and Alpine Skiing
Alana Nichols was an up-and-coming snowboarder when she broke her back. But that didn’t stop her from becoming a Paralympic Wheelchair Basketball player, Sprint Kayaker and Alpine Skier—competing in six Paralympic Games and preparing to compete in her seventh in Tokyo this month. But she also continues to inspire others underwater, showing that being a PADI Open Water Diver is an inclusive sport and mentoring other divers with disabilities.
Felipe & Henrique Martins: 2016 Brazilian Olympians, Swimming
As PADI AmbassaDivers, these brothers work hard to protect the ocean through his sustainable tourism venture Go Martins and through their alliance with PADI Five Star Instructor Development Dive Center Scuba Cartagena Divers. Felipe’s affinity for water has always been apparent and landed him a spot on the Brazilian swim team for the 2016 Olympics. But his love for the water pours into the ocean as well.
As a member of the Brazilian 4×100 meter medley relay in Rio at the 2016 Olympics and a FINA World Championship Gold Medalist, Henrique Martins showed he has speed for swimming at the surface. And as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, Henrique shows you can also enjoy the moment and seek adventure below the surface.
Taylor McKeown: 2016 Australian Olympian, Swimming
After the 2016 Olympics, Taylor ventured to Tonga to fulfill another life-long dream of swimming with the humpback whales in Vava’u. This inspired her to become a PADI Freediver and she now spends her recovery time from training exploring the ocean.
Edina Müller: x4 German Paralympian, Wheelchair Basketball and Kayaking (2008, 2012 , 2016, 2021)
On top of the water, Edina Müller is one of the fastest Paralympic kayakers in the world, having won Paralympic Gold and Silver, along with setting Paralympic and World Record for her specialty, the K1 200m sprint. Her sights are set on gold this month at the Tokyo Paralympics as well. But she is also a sports therapist, PADI Rescue Diver and PADI Freediver who is equally passionate about showing the therapeutic benefits of the ocean and diving with her patients.
To follow in these Olympians’ footsteps, join them as fellow PADI Torchbearers who protect and explore the ocean.
