These Franco-Ontarian personalities who shone abroad in 2022

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There are world-class Franco-Ontarians. Whether in sports, culture or the media, many Francophones born in Ontario are today known for their exceptional prowess. Who marked the year 2022? ONFR+ selected five personalities who shone on the world stage: Ivanie Blondin, Jonathan David, Zacharie Robichon, Pierre Simpson and Luc Chénier.

Ivanie Blondin: speed skater

Born in Ottawa, Ivanie Blondin is a champion and one of the fastest speed skaters on the planet. With two Olympic medals won in Beijing in February, including team pursuit gold medal with her teammates, Ivanie blondin also achieved an Olympic record with the two Canadians on her team, Valérie Maltais and Isabelle Weidemann.

In December, during the world championships, she already distinguished herself with several medals on the clock. In all and since the beginning of her career, the former student of the Garneau Catholic secondary school, in Orléans, has nearly 60 World Cup medals in the 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, mass start and pursuit events. by teams.

Jonathan David, from Ottawa to Qatar

Like many Franco-Ontarian athletes, Jonathan David is a product of Louis-Riel high school in Ottawa.

This soccer player took part in Canada’s second World Cup last November after a 36-year wait.

At only 22 years old, he is considered one of the best strikers in the world. Nicknamed Iceman “the ice man” by the Canadian coach, this sniper is respected for his composure on the field.

Although many rumors speak of a transfer of the player to one of the most popular clubs in Europe, Manchester United, it will not be immediately that Jonathan David will replace Ronaldo as striker. For the moment, the Franco-Ontarian is preparing within his Lille team (LOSC) in France, with whom he is linked until 2025.

Zacharie Robichon: a first at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

Born in Ottawa, this former student of the Louis Riel school has established himself in the world of endurance racing. At the beginning of the year, the Franco-Ontarian had already finished first at the 24 Hours of Daytona (GTD PRO), in Florida, a prestigious American race.

It was with his Proton Competition team and at the wheel of a Porsche 911 that the champion made a dream come true in June 2022: The 24 hours of Le Mans (GTE AM). This endurance racing driver is already confirmed for several competitions in 2023.

Luc Chénier, the war in Ukraine

Originally from Alexandria in Eastern Ontario, Luc Chénier is the director of the Kyiv Post, a Ukrainian and international news media.

He fled Ukraine in the first weeks of the war. He and his family crossed Europe for 17 days before joining the rest of his family in Hawkesbury.

After 22 years in Ukraine, the journalist still supports his adopted country. Keeping information alive: that’s his credo.

From Canada and recently from Croatia, the Franco-Ontarian continues to broadcast content on his media, which, in times of war, is more relevant than ever. His team always works from Ukraine in sometimes dangerous conditions and it is with religion that Luc Chénier directs the operations.

In 2022, the Pulitzer Prize jury honored Ukrainian journalists for their “courage, endurance and commitment to truthful reporting” of Russia’s invasion of their country.

Pierre Simpson: from theater to thriller

Originally from Welland, the Franco-Ontarian actor who shone at the French Theater in Toronto, walks the steps of major film productions. Pierre Simpson, who previously starred for Darren Aronofsky, has signed on to an Amazon Prime original production that’s already number one in Canada: The Village of Three Pines. The eight-episode series airs in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and many more countries.

In Three Pines, which takes place in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, Pierre Simpson plays the role of a chef, Gabri Dubeau. In this series co-produced by Left Bank Pictures (The Crown, Outlander, White Lines…), the Franco-Ontarian is accompanied by the world famous actor: Alfred Molina.