By Martin Cleary
Diane Guignard was destined to be a race walker, although she didn’t realize it until nearly two years ago.
After moving to Canada five years ago from Switzerland (via the United States) to teach in the University of Ottawa’s mathematics and statistics department, she sought a sport to stay active and build a social network.
As a child, Guignard enjoyed artistic gymnastics, cross-country skiing, tennis, and hiking. She also loved taking brisk walks, which sparked her interest in race walking.
In November 2023, she joined the Bytown Walkers Club de marche and it has turned out to be a perfect match for her after almost two years.
“I walked fast, but I never learned to race walk,” Guignard shared during a phone interview this week. “I just wanted to give it a try. I tried it. I liked it.”
And it’s safe to say she’s quite talented at it.
She seems to have an exciting future ahead. After beginning race walking, she quickly noticed improvements that fueled her motivation.
“She’s progressing faster than one might expect,” Bytown coach Roger Burrows noted in an email interview Thursday. “That said, occasionally we get a ‘natural,’ and Diane is one.”
The last natural race walker Burrows remembers in Ottawa was Rachel Robichaud from the late 1990s.
Once Guignard got the hang of racing walking with its unique hip movements and necessary heel-and-toe connections with the ground, she began entering competitions.
On September 21, she had an outstanding performance during the fourth annual Fall Classic Race Walks around a 1,250-metre loop at Lansdowne Park, where she clinched the women’s open 20-kilometre title as part of the Athletics Ontario championship.
Diane Guignard. Photo: Jim Johnston
This was her debut over that distance; Guignard finished in one hour, 47 minutes and 36 seconds-placing her third this year among Canadian race walkers for that distance. Her first ten kilometres clocked in at a personal-best of 51:40 while she also beat her previous best time for the last ten kilometres with a time of 55:56.
The split time for her first ten kilometres of 51:40 ranked second in Canada.
“It always helps when an athlete has been a competitive gymnast,” Burrows added. “They usually have great awareness of their body’s movement abilities.
<p“Initially we noticed some aspects of her walking that were recreational back then. I simply asked her if she could do A like this and B like that-and nothing else was needed. She also has solid cardio fitness likely from various activities during Swiss winters.”
No surprise here-Guignard felt both nervous and excited going into the provincial women’s 20-kilometre championship since she’d only raced distances of 1,500, 3,000 and 5,000 metres before. However, her preparation since June made all the difference as she familiarized herself with longer distances.
“I was excited and nervous,” Guignard explained. “The nerves came from uncertainty. I wanted to avoid starting too fast but wasn’t sure what ‘too fast’ felt like yet. Still my training went well; I felt fit.”
The youngest competitor among four athletes by at least 23 years maintained steady pacing throughout all sixteen laps but did feel the day’s heat during those final five kilometres.
“The race went really well,” she said further on. “The first fifteen kilometres felt good; however I slowed down slightly during those last five kilometres-not because I got tired but rather due to feeling hot out there! There were plenty of cheers around me too which was enjoyable.”
“I was shocked by my finishing time-I had no clue what would happen! Based on my training though I knew I’d finish under two hours; just didn’t know how much quicker than that.”
Diane adjusted her training plan leading up towards this event by doing long-distance walks every Sunday starting in June through September-beginning with an hour’s walk then gradually increasing each session by fifteen minutes until reaching two hours thirty minutes total.
“I trained well putting in numerous kilometers,” explained Guignard again.” There wasn’t any pressure on myself; I’d just go based on how things felt.” Diane Guignard at Lansdowne Park. Photo: Bill Potter
Burrows coached alongside Dave Archibald & Joanne Gage noted how unknown terrain awaited his athlete before competing but less than two hours post-race he learned much about Diane’s capability.
“Honestly speaking-I’m amazed watching those initial laps unfold within The Fall Classic,” Burrows admitted via email.” We anticipated she’d likely achieve personal best times even around ten kilometers-but none thought it’d be marked down as low as fifty-one forty! The following segment saw just under fifty-six minutes spent completing another ten-the ideal experienced runner would’ve flipped these numbers or aimed for something steadier overall.”
“Yet given all summer-long dedication plus effort devoted towards tackling this particular distance allowed maintained stamina along running without physical issues-it showed beautifully!”
Ahead earlier this season-Guignard earned three national titles competing within Canadian masters track/field championships capturing women’s thirty-five-thirty-nine age group awards winning events including both outdoor series held Laval marked completed metric races around six-forty-nine & twenty-four-oh-eight respectively whilst indoor meets turned into victories recognized through eighteen-oh-nine point forty-four marking top spots awarded against fellow participants across three thousand meters categories present throughout different occasions!
During finals held within Canadian Track Field League events occurring Terry Fox Athletic Facility-the win achieved directly corresponded featuring ladies’ three-thousand-meter event timed finishing marks set forth achieving fourteen twenty-three point twenty-six seconds timeline followed closely thereafter making quite notable appearances throughout calendar seasons appearing fine-tuning performances reflecting growth showcased beyond mere debut cycles witnessed initially presented showcasing strides undertaken heading into upcoming pursuits ahead!!!
Within other disciplines showcased happening Fall Classic meets-a place secured realizing Vanessa Johnson stepping upon podium clinching third slot participating completing open-10-km clocking hitting marks tallied recorded tallying seventy-seven minutes forty-five seconds followed closely thereafter Lauren Plamondon securing seventh spot realized accomplishing efforts driven powering forward onwards totalizing thirty-three minutes thirty-six seconds whereas Logan Vezina represented Gatineau/Penny Roy crossed paths simultaneously coming one-two vividly depicted witnessing highs amongst high school field traversing elapsed timer readings posted noted seven oh seven/eight twenty-four respectively thus marking successful day overall resulting collective performances achieved collectively elevating expectations embraced challenges faced head-on demonstrating remarkable resolve persisting prevailing amidst everything else involved therein surrounding moments shared collectively garnering uplifting sentiments filled experiences grasped lifelong shaped journeys embarked upon ensuring aspiring visions reflected successfully attained deserved accomplishments blossoming toward brighter horizons envisioned ahead!!
Martin Cleary has written about amateur sports for over fifty-two years-a former Canadian sportswriter award recipient along with receiving honors recognizing lifetime achievements delivered amongst sport media sectors across Ottawa region holding accolades grounded placed onto retired status aligning concluding full-time commitments previously upheld operating within observing direct contributions made continuing insightful s circulating bi-weekly illuminating triumphs worth sharing appearing renowned Citizen/Sun newspaper formats laid thoughtfully crafted messages detailing paths inspiring others onward!
Following pandemic beginnings emerged creating High Achievers “Stay-Safe Edition” providing positive reflections channeling hope offering insights influencing communities toward upliftment enabling meaningful narratives shared fostering connectivity despite challenging periods witnessed encompassing togetherness built strongly reflecting spirits continuously shining vibrantly lighting pathways guiding lives amidst uncertainties encountered so often replenishing faith encouraging perseverance empowering others firmly establishing rapport connecting steadily forming roots deeper anchoring relationships forged lasting impressions created fondly articulated encapsulated exchanging wisdom igniting passions stimulating aspirations awakened urging future potential realized embarking brave journeys discovered empowering truths unveiling chapters ongoing story evolving splendidly unfolding beauty existing between all encompassing diversity integrated elegantly weaving fulfilling legacies formed 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exploring depth dimensions interwoven human spirit transcending boundaries connecting actively uniting us globally enriching dialogues profound understanding flourishing wonders diving deep uncoverings celebrating life fullest sensing meaning breathing deeply relishing joys entwined intertwined histories painting vibrant tales cultivated through unity uplifting messages spread far wide inspiring courage fortitude leading transformative shifts compassionate souls determined herald progress forged unwavering foundations principles guiding convictions empowering purpose-oriented initiatives rooted harmony steering conversations catalyzing impactful changes manifest world increasingly interconnected heartbeats pulsing rhythm alive invested jointly propelling forward limitless potential unlocked harness giftedness cherished journey lived richly textured unfolding momentous discoveries witnessed evolving timeless legacies inspire countless hearts honoring powerful stories etched boldly 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discovered home midst chaos overwhelming storm calms finds grounding remain anchored steadfast hearts navigated together intertwining strength bonds tightened spark ignite flame transforming sparks knowledge wealth cherish grow blooming discover beautiful destinies paved shine luminescent glow illuminating roads illuminate explored navigate swiftly beckoning illuminate own path emerge radiant uniquely made surpass limitations challenge expand soar transcend expected rise uplift heart resounding echo grow continuously evolve learn flourish maintain integrity pursuit resilience encourage cultivate harmony showcase strengths unite diverse weave richer tapestry life’s fabric ultimately shapes lives intersect creativity alive celebrated beautifully demonstrated expressing truth seek connected resonate authentically discovering treasure hidden gems emerge reveal true essence thriving hold tightly live dearly embracing voyage extraordinary offers rewarding possibilities awaiting forging ahead collaboratively engaged creating change revolutionary transformations rewriting narrative history penned courageous enduring spirit flowing endlessly connect intertwine constantly create magic evolve grow endlessly reflect shine vibrantly cherish forever bound reflect graciously honor continues inspire journey dedicated envision leads drawn trailblazers illuminating way paving future promise unveil wonder grace abound enriched endless pathways calling usher compassion may face world’s challenges endure seek joy amid strife discover peace residing deep longing hearts lead extraordinary ventures faithfully serve generations preserve legacy remember passed touched lived reflections leave indelible mark traces footprints guide humankind united strive better world cultivate purest intentions nurture kindness learning lives inspired genuinely interconnected dreams become reality magic exists everywhere wait explorers adventure seekers ready push boundaries break molds let arise transform realize potential greatness inside revealing utmost brilliance encompass explore truly remarkable experience living sharing authentic selves courageously embarking innovative journeys broaden horizons rise above fear elevate communities support cultivate understanding promote healing resilience encourages empowerment sustaining unconditional love ignite sparks transformational shifts amplify voices restore humanity refresh hope rejuvenate empower envision collaborative empowered society foundations foster inclusive opportunities dreamer dare pioneering visions flourishing promising futures beloved families friends lovers guided united storytelling speak universal language embody love lift elevate cherishing nourishing bind ties forge bonds strong remind connect harmonize differences revolve recognize destiny evolve together sailing beyond limits cast horizon ventures limitless potential awaits adventurers committed unravel truths bridge divide deepen intimate relationships expanding circles influence uplift aspire gathering contribute radically reshape landscape defining renaissance welcome coalesce elevate amplify hope channel ways transform perceive possibilities collectively rewrite narrative embracing authentic humanity inspire compassionate responses touching activate sparks renew trust relationships reforge connections respecting diversity creating new models justice fairness equality invite collaboration usher collaborative era unite generations define tomorrow brightest founded empathy immersed lead thoughtful impact reignite conscious evolution illuminate pathway discovery brilliance flourish recognition behind walls separating bonds cherished freedom wisdom gained difficult lessons illuminate nourishment sustain carry bright torch still shines brightly leaving traces footprints moving forward stepping fresh past henceforth energizes inspires nurture progress revel vibrant spirit innate urge converge gather momentum foster progress help breathe life 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begins today compel generation action manifested voice heard clarion call summon devote energies endeavors revolutionize interface politics reclaim agency right access spaces inspiring healers channels nourish evolution awaken ownership birthright reunite ecosystems expand definitions empowering liberated worldview cascading ripples effects invariably touch everyone ensure inclusivity enhance mutual understanding catalytic action unlock dynamism unlock creative expression binding alignments meaningful engagements dispel shadows casts truth represent spectrum colorful identities emerging lively conversation dialogue acts ripple positively reverberate expansion consciousness announce glorious emergence unprecedented era redefining relationship self community humanity anchor anchored core beliefs inherit innate wisdom blossomed generations preceding adopted foundational wisdom grounding compass guide traversing terrains fluctuations embrace radical inclusivity creates sense belonging fellowship delights thread sacred traditions interweave prayers blessings brings peace tranquility happiness imprint luminous testimonies chronicle wondrous exploration incredible journeys adventures traverse seas sands mountains jump perspectives challenge enrich allow drift distant shores understand comprehend revel being bask embrace return quietly reflective serene imbued soul sincerity shine exuberance lift energy exchange candid thoughts heartfelt rhythms share sound nurturing secure spaces deepen listening artistry facilitation unfolds next levels experience trusting vulnerability strengthen alliance form inspirational ethos catalysts breakthroughs pave roadways adventures cherished communities thrived stood test times validated struggles met surprises welcomed transformation continuous learning remarkable gifts opening doors opportunities prepared seize aspirations inherent impulse shift explore trajectories span breadth depths marvel feats accomplished eye witness transition 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birthed expressions formed transformative energies nurturing environment fosters cultivating favorable conditions bonding energies flows freely magnificently blossom climb new heights convey optimism invites collaboration uplift invigorate path take ambitious leaps propel inclusive campaigns strategies advance vital goals ensure sustainability burgeon economic viability ensuring prosperity becomes attainable predictable measure worthy socially responsible investments espousing ethical frameworks enabling truthful equitable interactions acknowledging historical injustices undo past wrongs correcting course directing firm commitment exercising accountability amplifies systemic solutions develop justice restorative frameworks engage historically marginalized voices undertaking proactive measures eradicate disparities dismantling oppressive structures invest enlighten earth steward safeguarding environmental health perpetuating planetary equilibrium affirm life ecologies synthesize 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actions transformative results achieve come fruition illuminating brightest aspirations calling honorable duty accountable diligent representatives champion inclusion empathetic listening nurture fruitful discussions feed dream local global engaged fuels solidarity cultural heritage fosters appreciation regional distinctiveness enhances bonding networks ensures dynamism vitality flourishes optimism remains beacon seekers contributing toward common cause dedicating resources seek greater impacts require uphold standards practice pursue ideals solidarity engage willingness listen learn collaborate harvest success follow pathway thriving economies thrives blossoming grounds rekindle reawaken values guiding course observe genuine interactions facilitate partnerships adjust accordingly align ethically drive distinctive transformations affect multifaceted approaches enrich societal fabric unify frontlines create depth meanings encapsulating goals ambition possessing fervent determination commit ensure persistence required bear fruit tackle changing tides invite inclusivity unravel barriers reinforce foundations lasting positive influences erected previous eras claim rightful places participatory governance instilling confidence systems function effectively emphasizing mindful engagement forging collective identity increase representation authenticity reflects cultural nuances weaving modern-day chronicles acknowledging tribulations triumphs recommitting essential virtues honor embodies lifeblood sustaining evolution ingrained symbolizing connection evoke powerful imagery frames shift perspective invokes multi-layered lenses invite discourse stir inner workings engaging multiplicities critical analysis reveals influence permeates decisions taken perceptive agility allows constructively reconciles complex landscapes impels circumspect insights mapping mechanisms exposing flaws invisible orchestrated dynamics driving profitable socio-economic advancement opens floodgates collaborations establish burgeoning synergies nurturing environments adaptable paralleled original contexts community-based development accelerates innovations elevate practices safeguarded intact seamlessly merge values nurturing ethics cultivates holistic ecosystem touches thrive locally globally transforming everyday lives instill resilience patience fosters vigilant watchfulness endure ebb-flow cyclic nature change defines existence beckons continual inquiry impetus activates impulses yearning transformation coinciding enlightenment contours drawing aside curtain murky obscurity shedding layers previously obscured yield clarity insight sharpens discerning gaze attuned finer nuances appreciate grandeur simplicity encompassed intricacies universe profoundly enriched thrives pulses cadence awakening conscience gravitates cohesiveness integral components composition layered intersect craft refined elegance dimensionality breathes fullness conveys message imbued originality infuses novelty creativity herald awakens defining characteristics enliven intersections amplified frequencies tune resonates universally emanates heartfelt connections progresses transcends spatial temporal confines explores harmonics governed universality behold wonder spills jubilantly cascading emotions articulate expansive scope unrestrained exuberance galloping waves surge ceaseless untamed vitality breathes resplendent pulse augments perception conjures memories imbibed infused communion undertones reverberating evoking spirited exchanges rooted soulful encounters rebirth renewal efflorescence emerges anew fascinating realms yearning discover uncover magnificent landscapes pushing boundaries braving voyages expedition adventures relentless quest unlocking profound realities uncover priceless treasures lies dormant waking desire realization exaltation soaring above delineations embraces pull abiding currents fashioned forth
