Daniel J. Lefebvre

“It is amazing what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit” DJL.

Inspired by the careers of  family members, I had an desire to be a soldier – and not just any soldier, but a member of the ELITE SSF (Special Service Force).

Fortunate to have served in CFB Petawawa with some of Canada’s finest soldiers alongside the Canadian Airborne Regiment as an Airborne Gunner, I was quickly motivated by the discipline, leadership and dress and deportment. 

It was while serving here that I was introduced to the sport of Biathlon. I soon realized the direct correlation with Biathlon and soldiering skills, felt ‘at home’ with this sport, and more importantly, found my “raison d’être”.

PERI (Physical Education and Recreation Instructor) training was the avenue for me to not only practice sport, but teach, encourage and empower others to be great (i.e. coach).  I immediately gained recognition and credibility, along with the awards that come with it. I soon knew I was limited in scope within the Canadian Armed Forces, however. Something inside of me was pulling me away from a way of life and service I really admired – and I had to move on.

In the blink of an eye, I went from coach of the RMC Biathlon team to a Canadian National Team coach, where I became responsible for setting a new vision and mission to achieve what had never been done before - put a Canadian (male) on the International podium through a sustainable athlete development model. In short, I was able to help more than one athlete get there: 7 Junior World Championship medals won, Canada’s first Male World Champion and other noteworthy Olympic performances. To this day, the program is still very strong and making history, with Canada’s first ever World Cup Gold medal brought home in November, 2012.

Through these strong performances, I was recruited to ‘Own the Podium’, and was a part of a team that was in large part responsible for our nation finishing 1st in the 2010 Vancouver Games with 14 gold medals. I was deeply involved with our nation’s top sports (Speed Skating, Free style, Hockey, Alpine and Curling). Through strategic planning, execution and review, we were able to help sports embark on a journey of  change in culture, while professionalizing sport and increasing accountability to levels never displayed before in the Canadian sport system. 

Today, I am leading the charge for sport development in the country through the WinSport Winter Sport Institute, which endeavors to put athletes on the international podium, as well inspire people to be active for life.

My story and my experiences have changed and continue to change attitudes and behaviors, and help people and organizations move forward effectively. Importantly, I will add that in all I have achieved, I was never alone. I have always worked in a team or as part of a team, and can confidently say.

“It is amazing what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit”.