When International Olympic Committee member Dick Pound (who is Canadian) suggested that Canadian citizens would not have a problem with seeing our Olympic athletes receive the COVID-19 vaccine ahead of others, he clearly didn’t expect pushback ... from the athletes themselves.
One of the most outspoken of those athletes was racewalker Evan Dunfee, from Richmond. Even though he represented Canada in Rio de Janeiro and has already qualified for Japan this summer, Dunfee has no problems not competing in Japan if his time for the vaccine has not come up yet. “Taking the vaccine ahead of our turn would destroy the value we have as role models,” Dunfee stated.
Thank you, Evan!
The sentiments he shared are not often enough witnessed in world class sports. In his opinion, “the main value of an Olympian comes away from the field of play. My value is in what I do when I come home from the Olympics, how I behave and engage within my community.”
Dunfee has a record of enthusiastically visiting schools, where he enjoys passing on a truly positive image. “I talk about what it is like to work really hard and to define yourself not by whether you win or lose but by how much progress you make along the way.”
Dunfee’s character was shown more than four years earlier after he finished fourth in Rio. He briefly was given the bronze after officials disqualified the third-place Japanese runner for bumping Dunfee. His immediate reaction was that the decision of the officials was mistaken, and the Japanese runner should keep the medal. Soon after the decision was reversed, and Dunfee insisted that Canada not appeal.
When we look at Evan Dunfee, we see many different virtuous characteristics being demonstrated that young athletes should be learning through their training. Humility stands out as he clearly doesn’t see himself as more important than other citizens. He often shows gratitude for the incredible opportunities he has been given. Sacrificial service is on full display in his care for future of students, the health of those most in need of the vaccine, and his concern for athletes who don’t have the means to afford certain competitions. Sportsmanship is his trademark as he has always been known for respecting rules, officials, and opponents (he once supported an opponent during a race).
Making an Olympics in any sport requires tremendous persistence and hard work, and in the sport of racewalking it requires self-discipline and patience. During his Olympic ascent, Dunfee has shown what we refer to as virtuous leadership, something the sports world desperately needs.
The old saying that it takes a community to raise a child still applies, but due to more family breakdown and media/advertising/social media often emphasizing a message of me, it is incumbent on sports coaches and administrators to give a different healthy message. To be mindful of others.
Some other athletes who have acted out virtuous leadership include Tim Tebow, who has shown courage and forgiveness after being heavily criticized and mocked for his strong support of pro-life and family causes and for expressing his Christian faith publicly.
Professional snowboarder Amy Purdy was given two per cent chance of survival after contracting meningitis when young. This resulted in the amputation of both her legs below the knees, but she showed off-the-chart fortitude and courage in just learning to walk again, let alone win a gold medal at the 2014 Paralympic Games.
National Football League wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and quarterback Russel Wilson, who may make the Hall of Fame someday, set the standard of constant humility and service to others. Fitzgerald has said, “I want to make sure that I set a good example for people. You have to be a good citizen and give back to those less fortunate.”
I thank Evan Dunfee and all those athletes at all levels who are showing virtuous leadership in their respective sports.