Former Olympian volunteers with BC Winter Games
When the BC Winter Games come to town, it’s not just emerging athletes who bring their passion and expertise—elite athletes and Olympians often give back behind the scenes. This year, Olympian Samantha Smith is joining the Games as a volunteer physiotherapist on the medical team, supporting young athletes as they compete, recover, and perform at their best.
Samantha represented Canada in trampoline gymnastics at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and has competed on the world stage for more than a decade. Over her career, she represented Canada at every Trampoline World Championships from 2010 to 2019, won gold at the 2019 Pan American Games, and earned multiple world championship team and synchro medals.
After completing degrees in Human Kinetics and Physical Therapy at the University of British Columbia, Samantha transitioned into a career as a physiotherapist, bringing her experience as a high-performance athlete into health care and athlete development. Today, she works in sport and community physiotherapy, helping people stay active and healthy.
Samantha sees events like the Games as powerful development opportunities. “I am so excited to be involved with the Canada winter games! As an Olympic athlete, I have experienced firsthand how events like the Games can encourage athletic success, shape character, foster friendships, and inspire lifelong participation in sport.”
By volunteering at the BC Winter Games, Samantha is helping the next generation of athletes stay healthy, recover from injuries, and enjoy their sport. Her presence is a reminder that the path from local sport to the Olympic stage often begins with opportunities like the BC Winter Games and with dedicated volunteers who support athletes every step of the way.
