Championing Change: Beyond the finish line with Valerie Jerome

A former Olympic athlete, teacher and advocate shares about her remarkable story

"To me, running was freedom...
I loved our track club and I loved the workouts. I loved that community.
It wasn't so much about winning as it was running and finding the freedom that it gives you."

“It is freeing to write.
And so now that I mull over these questions and things that come from the audience, it bestirs me to, you know, find that freedom again…”

Valerie Jerome

Valerie Jerome, former Olympic athlete, teacher and advocate, talks about her remarkable journey, from breaking barriers in sports to her impact through 35 years of teaching. She reveals the relief found in writing her memoir “Races: The Trials and Triumphs of Canada’s Fastest Family”, and gives us a glimpse into what it took to overcome gatekeeping in the traditional publishing industry. She reminds us that racism in Canada is still prevalent and that her hope for the future lies in the empathetic hearts of youth across the country. 

Find out where Valerie is speaking next and buy her book “Races” at: http://gooselane.com/Races

Catch more of Valerie’s track and field story on “Black Life: Untold Stories” in the episode “More Than A Game” on CBC Gem.

Valerie Jerome is an activist, speaker, teacher, politician, and athlete from Vancouver. The granddaughter of Canada’s first Black Olympian, John “Army” Howard, Valerie became the Canadian senior women’s champion in the sprints and long jump at the age of 15 in 1959. She went on to represent Canada at the 1960 Rome Olympics, the Commonwealth Games, and the Pan American Games (where she won a bronze medal in the 4 x 100 metres relay), competing alongside her brother Harry Jerome. 

Away from the track, Valerie has represented the Green Party of British Columbia and is a recipient of the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal and a City of Vancouver Heritage Award for her work in conservation. She has served as a board member for numerous organizations, including Achilles Track & Field, the Black Educators of BC, the Junior Black Achievement Awards, Vancouver Youth Theatre, and several dance companies. She speaks at numerous schools and community events.

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