Growing up in New Brunswick, Kamylle was inspired by her father: triathlon runner Michel Frenette. That led her to try the sport at age 16. Under the mentorship of Jean-Marc Doiron, she got a strong athletic start at Université de Moncton. Now, as she prepares for Paris, Kamylle reflects on the path she’s taken and the inspiration and support that made the journey possible.
New Brunswick Sports Hall Fame: You said you were traveling; whereabouts are you at the moment?
Kamylle Frenette: We just got back from Flagstaff, Arizona, where we got the chance to train at altitude for a few weeks. I'm now in Victoria, BC, where the Triathlon Canada headquarters is located.
NBSHF: I read you trained with Jean-Marc Doiron, who was a protégé of steeplechase champion Joël Bourgeois (which, by the way, puts you in the same lineage as Geneviève Lalonde). With so many of our high-performance athletes coming from Université de Moncton, what’s the secret? Or, what about your training at U de M do you think had the deepest impact on you?
KM: First off, I'm honoured to be told I'm in the same lineage as Geneviève Lalonde! She's an incredible athlete and a person that I look up to greatly. I think New Brunswick is small but mighty. It's a beautiful province and has so many awesome trails and places to run. The running community is also extremely welcoming. I think being surrounded by good people and having wonderful role models to look up to like Gen, Joël, and Jean-Marc within our community all add up to create the perfect recipe for success. My training at U de M under coach Jean-Marc from 2014-2018 definitely had a big impact on the continuity of my career as an athlete.
NBSHF: You grew up observing your father participating in triathlons and decided at the age of 16 to give it a try. Did you have any doubts or uncertainties with regard to becoming a Para athlete?
KM: I did start training with my dad at 16, and at the time, it never even crossed my mind that my disability was significant enough to become a Paralympian. It's actually Jean-Marc Doiron and Shayne Dobson that first planted the seed in my mind when I started training with the U de M cross-country team.
It took me a long time to come to terms with the fact that I am different and to really accept my disability. I actually took a full year off after getting classified and doing my first Para race back in 2017. I had doubts and I wasn't sure I wanted to tell the world about my little foot. We all want to be the most "normal" possible... like what we see on Instagram and Facebook... and I'm no different. Today, I can say that I'm glad I took that chance because this little foot has opened up some big doors!
NBSHF: Your first medal was at a world championship in Abu Dhabi. I’m wondering if you can paint a picture of that trip. What was most memorable about it? And what did it feel like to win your first bronze at a world championship?
KM: Abu Dhabi will forever be a career highlight for me. Finally stepping on that podium after so many 4th places was like releasing a breath after holding it in for so long! Having my parents and husband there to share this experience made it even more special. We got to stay in the area and travel for a couple of weeks after, which was very fun and a great way to celebrate!
NBSHF: You’ve graduated in biology and pharmacy and are now a pharmacist by profession. Is there, in your opinion, a connection between the grit it takes to train for a high level of athletic performance and the grit it takes to achieve life goals or academic success? Has your athleticism helped your academic career, do you think?
KM: Absolutely! There are so many links between the two, and they complement each other very well. The feeling I get on the start line of a triathlon is very similar to the feeling I would get when my teacher hands me a final exam. You're forced to learn how to not only perform but thrive under pressure. The constant grind also teaches you the importance of time management and organization, the need for a good work ethic, ... and so many other lessons. Doing both has helped me build a foundation of skills for the future. I'm sure my exams and triathlons are not the only times I'll need to perform under pressure or dial down a good schedule to fit everything in my day! I know that my athleticism helped my academic career, but I also think that my academic career has helped my athletics!
NBSHF: What would you say to a New Brunswick high-schooler, male or female, who would like to become an athlete but maybe has doubts about whether they have what it takes to excel athletically?
KM: You never know until you try! Find something you love, get out the door, and do it. There is room for EVERYONE in sports. All levels, body types, abilities, and disabilities... Remember that every story has a chapter one; you need to start somewhere. I actually got a flat tire in my first ever triathlon and didn't finish it. It doesn't need to be pretty today, but as long as you find joy in doing it, that's all that matters!
NBSHF: Is there anything at all you want to add ahead of your competition in Paris?
KM: A big thank you to everyone in NB for the messages and words of support this year. Truly the best community to be a part of :)
Thank you!
NBSHF: Thank you!
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