Beijing 2008: HEC Montréal Was There!

Two students return from their first games, delighted with the experience

August 21, 2008

Who says Olympic achievement and management studies can’t go together? Two HEC Montréal students, both elite athletes, have just shown that the hard work and discipline required for university studies can also apply to the pursuit of an Olympic ideal. Marie-Ève Marleau, who finished 7th in 10-metre platform diving, and Kathy Tremblay, 31st in the triathlon, are shining examples.

BBA student Marie-Ève Marleau has twice received a bursary from the Fondation des diplômés HEC Montréal, in the “support for student athletes” category. Making it to Beijing is a dream she has been pursuing for many years. She turned in spectacular performances in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, moving up and advancing to the finals. “I want to make this time at the Olympics the best experience of my life,” she said before flying to Beijing. Marie-Ève was an elite gymnast for 10 years before she started training as a diver in 1998.

Triathlete Kathy Tremblay got off to an excellent start in the competition, emerging from the water fourth in the swimming portion. She kept up her pace and stayed in the leading pack in the cycling leg, but faded in the 10-km running leg. “I’m a bit disappointed with my running, but overall I’m very happy. This was actually my best competition ever, in terms of preparation,” she said immediately after the event. When she returns to the School, Kathy will be starting her final courses in her second certificate.

Throughout their time at the Olympics, their fellow students and the School’s staff and faculty followed their achievements with tremendous enthusiasm, pride and excitement. Well done, ladies!