Leanne Stanley

Leanne Stanley began participating and competing in sports at an early age, beginning as a figure skater and then later playing hockey and competing for her university’s track and field team in shot-putt. Although she was quite successful at these sports, it was through the discovery of paddling that Leanne found her true sporting passion and subsequent international success in Outrigger Canoeing and Dragon boat racing.

Her first major victories came in Sacramento, California at the World Outrigger Championships in 2008 where she won three team silver medals and placed 4th in the premier solo event. Just two years later, she earned two team gold medals and a bronze in the 500 meter race at the 2010 World Championships in New Caledonia, Australia making her one of Canada’s top paddlers.

Most recently in 2011, she travelled to Tampa, Florida where she was a member of our National women's and mixed crews, with which she won two silver and three gold medals for Canada!

When not training or competing, Leanne works as a Paddling and Strength/Conditioning coach in addition to her career as a teacher in Kelowna, BC.
English Biography (131 KB)

Languages spoken: English

Birthplace: Parry Sound, Ontario

Current city: Kelowna, BC

Sport: Outrigger Canoe/Dragon Boat

Favourite Food: Fajita Spinach Salad

Favourite Colour: Blue

What is your single greatest achievement as an athlete?
Bronze medal at 2010 IVF World Outrigger Sprint Championships in V1 500m.

What is your single greatest achievement outside of sports?
Having a former student I taught come back to me years later and tell me that I was the best teacher they ever had and that they are at university taking Science because of my grade 10 science class.

What's your favourite quote or statement?
Why Not?! If I can't find a reasonable answer to this question when an opportunity comes my way then I go for it.

Who was your role model when you were young?
My big brother Chris.