Gabi started coaching with Team Triumph in 2021. After having lived through a traumatic event in the Canadian Forces, Gabi spent some time battling mental illness and addiction before finally reaching out and asking for help. Gabi is a strong advocate for mental health and addiction awareness and has been working hard on her healing journey since 2017. Gabi’s enthusiasm and love of life have been a welcome addition to the Team Triumph family, and she is now the Coordinator for the Beginner Triathlon Program as well as the virtual 70.3 program.
Gabi has since retired from the Canadian Forces and spends most of her days doing what she loves: triathlon training, Nordic skiing, and spending time with her wife, Dusty, and beloved dog, Maze. Gabi prides herself in being extremely average at extraordinary things and has completed a full Ironman race in Maryland, the Tremblant 70.3, the 12km marathon swim of La Traversée du Lac Tremblant, and numerous other race distances throughout the years. Triathlon training and racing have given Gabi a sense of purpose and accomplishment, and she is dedicated to helping make this sport more accessible to everyone, regardless of who or where they come from.
Fun fact: Gabi is a classically trained musician and holds a bachelor's degree in music performance from McGill university. She has played the tuba for over 15 years and continues to play and teach in local community and school bands.
I wanted to let you know that the Perth triathlon was a great experience, I somehow placed third in my age group! What a supportive group of participants (including Team Triumph athletes), cheering bystanders and volunteers.Thanks to your swim lessons, I learned the technical basics and gained confidence to get back in the pool after decades. And it was really special doing this with Ann Laidlaw, my bestie for many years. We did a couple of additional swims with Kevin and Team Triumph people, also a great way to continue learning and practicing good technical form.I will continue with lane swimming and who knows, maybe there's another triathlon in my future!
I love the accountability and the structure of the Virtual 70.3 Half Ironman training program. I don't think I would have gotten this far without the program. The accountability is huge for me!
Deborah Jackman
My coach Kevin Willis is amazing. His swim practices have been a real game-changer for me. A great communicator regardless of your swim level. The whole club is supportive of everything you do. You don't need to be an Ironman to benefit from their programs. 5 stars all around!!! - Denise Pittuck