Road to the Olympics- Newfoundland's Karate Kid

“Today I will do what others wont so tomorrow I can do what others can’t.” That is the quote posted on the wall above 18-year-old karate champion, Christopher (CJ) Coady’s bed. With aspirations of representing both Canada and Newfoundland on the Olympic stage in 2020, it is a quote that he is committed to live by.

To say that CJ’s karate resume was impressive would be a tremendous understatement. He is a 7-time provincial champion, an 8-time Atlantic champion and a 3-time national champion. But with his work ethic, his remarkable list of accomplishments is not at all surprising. CJ is in the weight room three days per week, for a minimum of 2 hours each session. He works to perfect his craft in organized classes another 3 days per week and then participates in elite training sessions on Saturday mornings. On top of that, CJ puts in extra hour or two of technical training on his own every single day. He also participates in multiple provincial and national team training sessions every year. To top it all off, CJ engages in mental and emotional training to train his mind to be ready for competition.

“That’s what I truly love about Karate. It’s not just a sport for me. It’s a lifestyle. As a kid it teaches you dedication, work ethic and discipline. My whole character was built on that. Karate is not just what I do, its who I am.”

CJ’s deep love for Karate began at the age of 6. He aspired to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, whom he idolized. He worked hard in hopes of surpassing him and by age 11, he was scouted for the provincial team. CJ’s journey however, has been far from smooth. In 2013 he lost in the first round of both the Montreal Open and the Commonwealth championships. But it is times like this that truly test us and how bad we wish to achieve our goals. It was CJ’s determination and resilience that propelled him through those crushing disappointments. In the following year, he not only qualified for nationals, but he also managed to become the first Newfoundlander to ever bring home the gold medal.

CJ’s accomplishments become even more impressive when you consider the obstacles that he is continually faced with. CJ is extremely proud to come from and represent Newfoundland. But being an athlete in the province has undeniably made his road more difficult. He doesn’t have access to the national-level coaching and sparring partners that his fellow Team Canada members do. Instead, CJ has to rely heavily on his provincial coaches and the punching bag in his garage. Sports are also not as heavily funded in Newfoundland and CJ has to do ridiculous amounts of fundraising to cover his travel fees. But none of these obstacles has been enough to stop CJ from becoming one of the most promising athletes in Newfoundland. “I have a dream,” says CJ “and nothing is going to stop me from getting there.” Inspiring this type of mindset is what Elevate is all about. We all possess nearly limitless potential and it is up to us to unleash it. There are no guarantees in life, but we all can give ourselves the best shot at success by following in CJ’s footsteps: Work hard, believe in yourself, and refuse to let anything stop you from achieving your goals.