Olympic athlete Claire Scheffel spent the morning chatting with library-goers during the Celebrate the Winter Olympics drop-in program at the Brantford Public Library’s main branch on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
Born and raised in Brantford, Scheffel began artistic swimming when she was just eight-years-old and started competing two years later. She eventually went on to represent Canada in three World Aquatics Championships, multiple World Aquatics Swimming World Cups, the 2023 Pan American Games, and the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.
During the event, visitors had the opportunity to check out Scheffel’s three Olympic swimsuits and her bronze medal from the Pan American Games. She also posed for photos and answered several questions from attendees, including some provided by the library to help prompt shy youngsters.
Sophia Rook, who brought her nine-year old daughter to the library and stumbled upon the event, said it was nice that they got to interact with a local Olympic athlete.
“That was really cool because it gives kids the opportunity to ask questions,” said Rook. “It was nice that they had suggestions on the type of questions to ask too, especially because they [children] can feel put on the spot sometimes. I think it helps them get more comfortable with talking to people which is really important for kids these days.”
The mother went on to say that she and her daughter visit the library about once a month to pick up a few books to practice reading, but that it was nice that the library has so much more to offer as well.
“It’s honestly amazing the amount of stuff that they do and the variety of things that you can rent from here as well,” said Rook. “It seems to really cater all kinds of things for adults and children, and everybody in between.”
While some visitors spent their time interacting with Scheffel, others took part in the many Olympic-themed activities around the room, including a scavenger hunt, ring toss, matching game, LEGO challenge, a build-your-own luge track, and various colouring activities.
Meanwhile, in the children’s program room, youngsters created their own medals, pennant flags, and Olympic torches, and even designed their own miniature snowboard.
Library technician Rebecca Grundy said she was happy with the overall turnout.
“The kids who came loved to talk to Claire and take pictures with her and the medals they made at our little podium here, so it was really fun. We’re really grateful Claire came, and for the people who came out today. We really like to support Canadian athletes and the other athletes from around the world. The Olympics are an opportunity for countries to come together, to cooperate and be friends with one another, and so we thought this would be a good opportunity for us to do a program at the library, and it went well,” she said. “The kids who came loved talking to Claire and taking pictures with her and the medals they made at our little podium here, so it was really fun. We’re really grateful Claire came, and for the people who came out today too.”
After the event, Scheffel said she enjoyed being able to take part in it.
“It was so much fun. I love being able to interact with all of the people from Brantford and bring some of the Olympic spirit to my hometown,” she said. “It’s just super fun being able to share that with people and show the younger kids that if you set your mind to it, you can do it too. That’s something nice for kids to know.”
As far as which Olympic sports she’s been watching herself, Scheffel said a little bit of everything.
“Though, I’ve really been enjoying watching figure skating; It’s so cool and I think it’s kind of like my sport a little bit, but instead of being in water, they’re on it,” she said with a laugh. “I’ve also really liked watching the ski jumping and all the snowboarding events too.”
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
