Punjabi origin Jessica Gaudreault set to represent Canada in Paris Olympics 2024
As the Canadian water polo team takes part in the Paris Olympics 2024, goalkeeper Jessica Gaudreault will shoulder the expectations of not only her native Canada but also of her ancestral place in Punjab, thousands of miles away.
The 30-year-old Ottawa native has an Indian connection through her mother, Ajit Kaur Tiwana. She was born in the Chanarthal Kalan village in Punjab's Fatehgarh Sahib district. Gaudreault's mother, as well as her maternal grandfather Amarjit Singh Sathi, have expressed their immense pride at her selection for the upcoming Summer Olympics.
At 14, Jessica Gaudreault began her water polo journey in 2008 when her parents enrolled her in a summer camp after recognizing her interest in water sports. She swiftly advanced in her career, helping Canada achieve a fifth-place finish at the inaugural FINA World Youth Championship in 2012.
In 2017, Jessica was instrumental in Canada’s silver-medal win at the FINA World League Super Final, earning the title of the tournament’s best goalkeeper. Competing for the Capital Wave Swimming and Water Polo Club, she also claimed silver medals at the Pan-American Games in Toronto 2015, Lima 2019, and Santiago 2023.
Graduating in 2019 with a Chemistry degree from Indiana University, Jessica made history in 2022 by becoming the first woman of Indian descent to coach in the National Collegiate Athletic Association when she joined the University of Michigan team as a coach.
Jessica Gaudreault is not the only one with Punjabi roots to represent Canada in Paris Olympics 2024
In addition to Jessica Gaudreault, two other athletes with Punjabi heritage are set to represent Canada at the Paris Olympics 2024. Jasneet Nijjar, a 23-year-old sprinter from British Columbia, will be a key member of Canada’s 4x400m women’s relay team.
Jasneet is breaking new ground as the first Indo-Canadian woman to compete in track and field events at the Olympics. Her passion for running began at the age of seven, inspired by her older siblings, and has since led her to this historic achievement.
Similarly, Amar Dhesi, also 23 and hailing from British Columbia, will look to make his Punjabi roots proud with his wrestling skills in Paris. Amar made his Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020, where he finished 13th in the men’s 125kg freestyle wrestling category.
Amar's father, Balbir Dhesi, was a renowned wrestler in India before moving to Canada. In 1976, Balbir established the Khalsa Wrestling Club in Surrey, BC, to nurture young wrestling talent, thus highly influencing Amar's path in the sport.