I never tire of saying that Brantford–Brant is home to world-class athletes.

Today in the House, I welcome champion marathoner Krista DuChene and her family.

Krista’s esteemed athletic career started with high school track and later being named the MVP for Ontario University Athletics top scorer for the University of Guelph hockey team.

In 2005, Krista was the first Canadian woman to cross the finish line at the Boston Marathon.

Krista won the Mississauga Marathon on Mother’s Day in 2009.

In April 2015, Krista raced in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, to become the first Canadian in 20 years to qualify for the Olympics in the women’s marathon. Her time of two hours, 29 minutes, 38 seconds was her second-fastest marathon.

Krista currently holds the record for the fastest 50-kilometre race in Canada for women, with a time of three hours, 22 minutes, 22 seconds.

Krista ran all six marathon majors: London, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, New York, and Tokyo. Tokyo was the last on the list for DuChene, and she finished in a stellar two hours, 38 minutes and 53 seconds—the only Canadian to break a record in that race.

Krista’s favourite quote is, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast! And when I run I feel his pleasure.”

Krista, you make Brantford–Brant, Ontario and Canada proud.