Two-time Canadian Olympian hopes to fight climate change on IOC Athletes’ Commission | CBC Sports

“I want to help athletes lead the race to zero. We can be players in the biggest comeback story the world has ever seen,” the Ottawa native said.

Smith is a candidate for one of two open spots on the commission, which will be voted on by athletes at the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympic Games. He now works as an electrical engineer, specializing in renewable energy technologies.

A multi-sport athlete, Smith previously competed as part of Canada’s 4×100-metre relay team at London 2012 and on the Canadian bobsleigh team at Pyeongchang 2018.

It was in London where he experienced heartbreak as the Canadian team crossed the finish line in third place and began to celebrate, only to be disqualified.

“My world was shattered once. I can’t sit on the sidelines and allow that to happen again. Many athletes have asked me what they can do. I know how athletes can use their platforms as role models to help lead the massive change that is needed,” he said.

Smith founded the non-profit organization Racing To Zero, which helps grassroots sports organizations reduce their carbon footprint. He’s also a member of the IOC’s Sustainability and Legacy Commission, and previously served on the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission between 2012 and 2020.

Now, he hopes to go international.

“One of my biggest goals is to help athletes around the globe amplify their voices so they can become more influential in the areas that matter to them most.”