Connor Taras

Canadian kayaker

Connor Taras is a Canadian sport kayaker from Waverley, Nova Scotia,[1] who was a silver medalist with the Canadian Men's K-4 1000 metres team at the 2011 Pan American Games.[2] He also competed in the Men's K-1 200 metres, finishing sixth.

## Education and career[edit]

Taras was educated at Mount Saint Vincent University, studying marketing.[1]

He tried out for the Canadian kayaking team for the 2012 Summer Olympics, but missed qualifying by 0.6 seconds.[1] After struggling with his sexual orientation for a number of years, Taras began coming out as gay to friends and family in 2013.[1] According to Taras, the freedom to be open about his sexual orientation made him a better athlete; in the same year, he successfully shaved a full 12 seconds off his personal best time.[1]

In 2015, Taras announced his retirement from competitive sport. He served as coordinator of ceremonies for the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, Ontario,[3] and is an ambassador for the Canadian Olympic Committee's OneTeam initiative to combat homophobia in sports.[4]

## References[edit]

1. ^ a b c d e "For kayaker Connor Taras, coming out was ultimate victory". Toronto Star, July 22, 2014.
2. ^ "Canada takes medals in bowling, kayak, karate, judo and fencing; count at 97". National Post, October 28, 2011.
3. ^ "Much work needed to ensure LGBT athletes can be themselves". Daily Xtra, August 7, 2015.
4. ^ "Canadian athletes helping others step out of shadows". Oakland Press, June 23, 2015.

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