Nick Wammes has the “need for speed” according to his aunt, a 30-year Suncor employee, Diana Wammes.
"It's the speed that hooked him on the sport," Diana shared when reflecting on her nephew’s early years of training and competition. Nick, an accomplished Canadian speed cyclist, continues to inspire fans locally and nationally as he gears up for his second appearance at an Olympic Games, this time at the 2024 Olympic Summer Games in Paris (July 26 to August 11).
Hailing from Bothwell, Ont., Nick's dedication paid off quickly as he clinched four medals, including two gold, at the 2019 Canadian championship and secured national titles in cycling events like keirin (which is cycling speak for “racing cycle”) and team sprint.
Diana, a health and wellness nurse at the Sarnia Refinery, recalls important moments that defined Nick’s journey, such as his recovery from a serious injury sustained early in his career. "As a nurse, I tracked his progress in ICU with his parents and broke down the medical complexities of his case," Diana shared. "I am certain our family’s knowledge, experience, and unfailing support is a big part of Nick’s original and continuing success."
Despite not being able to attend his Olympic debut at the 2020 Olympic Summer Games in Tokyo in person due to COVID restrictions, “Team Wammes” rallied behind Nick in creative ways. They encouraged Nick every step of the way as he finished in 14th place in sprint and 27th in keirin.
With the countdown to the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games on, Petro-Canada has proudly reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to Canadian athletes by renewing its partnership with both the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) for eight more years. Petro-Canada will continue to support Team Canada at multiple upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games, including Milano Cortina 2026, Los Angeles 2028, Brisbane 2032, and a yet-to-be-announced location in 2030.
Watch for our Petro-Canada Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games advertising campaign on CBC, social media, and digital platforms.
Petro-Canada, the COC and CPC will also continue supporting up and coming athletes through the Petro-Canada Fuelling Athlete and Coaching Excellence (FACE™) program. Since 1988, the program has awarded over $14 million in grants to more than 3,500 Canadian athletes and coaches. This vital support enables promising athletes to pursue their Olympic and Paralympic dreams, bridging the gap until they qualify for government funding.
“As Petro-Canada continues to fuel the aspirations of Canadian athletes, we remain dedicated to nurturing future generations of Olympians and Paralympians, ensuring that Team Canada shines brightly on the global stage for years to come,” says Pat Ritchie, VP, Sales & Marketing.
Diana also believes Petro-Canada’s support gives other Canadian athletes like Nick a chance to succeed. "I am thrilled to work for a company that champions Team Canada and aspiring Olympians. Petro-Canada's ongoing support makes a significant impact on athletes' journeys to the podium."
With his eyes set on new Olympic milestones and continued growth, Diana shares a message from Nick to aspiring athletes that has served him well: "A goal is a dream with a deadline."
Suncor is the proud owner of Petro‑Canada™.