From Oak Bluff to the World Stage: “Till the Wheels Fall Off”
Tyler Mislawchuk demonstrated his unwavering determination on the world stage once again. Competing in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Tyler finished in an impressive 9th place, embodying his mantra of “Till the wheels fall off!”
Tyler’s journey to the Olympics was marked by relentless training and an indomitable spirit. Reflecting on his performance, Tyler said, “I went for it. I could have likely paced myself better, but to me whether I was fourth, fifth or sixth it didn’t really matter. I tried to win a medal and ran for third place with the two French athletes for six kilometres. I didn’t come here to be top 10, but I gave everything I had.”
The road to Paris was not without its challenges for Tyler. “I did everything I could over the last three years to come back from an achilles tear, concussion, crashes – you name it, I had it. I finally came to the start line healthy today. I absolutely went for it and I’m proud of the effort,” said Mislawchuk, who acknowledged that the heat posed a challenge during the final laps.
Securing 9th place among the world’s top triathletes is a testament not only to Tyler’s outstanding performance but also to his significant growth. “Every race is a learning experience, and I’ve grown so much from this one. I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete and represent Canada on the world stage,” Tyler said.
Tyler’s Olympic journey was supported by a dedicated team of coaches, trainers, and loved ones who believed in his potential and shared in his dream. “I couldn’t have done this without the incredible support of my team and everyone back home in Oak Bluff and across Manitoba. Their encouragement and belief in me fueled my drive to succeed,” he acknowledged.
Despite his international success, Tyler remains humble, seeing himself as “just a kid from Oak Bluff.” He encourages young athletes to pursue their dreams relentlessly. “I’m just a kid from Oak Bluff, Manitoba where it drops to -50 degrees and I’m here at my third Olympics. I came fourth at the Manitoba Games. I couldn’t even get on the podium there. Fifteen years later I’m fighting for a medal at the Olympic Games. Of course you want more, but that’s all I had in me.”
As Tyler returns home, he takes with him the lessons learned and the experiences gained from his Olympic journey. His performance in Paris has inspired many and serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of giving your all in pursuit of your dreams.
Congratulations, Tyler! Your nation, your province and your sport could not be more proud of what you’ve achieved and how you’ve done it. We wish you all the best in your future races.
If you haven’t seen it, please watch Tyler’s post-race interview here – Incredible.
