Education:  University of Nebraska, 2006

Inside the Helmet

Shelley-Ann Brown is a native of Pickering, Ontario Canada.  She has been a high level competitor in Track and Field for many years.  As passionate about education as she is about sports, Shelley-Ann completed a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and English and a Masters in Educational Psychology in May 2006.  This was accomplished while she attended the University of Nebraska on a Track and Field scholarship. The former sprinter/hurdler gained All-American honors during her time at Nebraska, and also served as a member of the Student Athletic Advisory Board. 

A Look at Training & Recruitment

Shelley-Ann was recruited to bobsleigh for the 2007 season and has been on the Canadian World Cup Team ever since. Over the last three seasons, she has set 5 World Start records and placed as high as 2nd in the World Cup competition.  She represented Canada in her first ever Olympics at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games where she thrilled the hearts of Canadians across the country when pushing Helen Upperton to an unexpected Silver Medal win.  

She trains 6 days a week on average during the off-season.  A typical training day can be anywhere from 3 to 6 hours.  Training consists mainly of weight training, sprinting, plyometrics and core stability and strengthening activities.

Community Support

Shelley-Ann is firm believer in ‘giving back’ and as a result is a very active member in her community.  In 2005, she founded and directed Camp E.D.I.F.Y in Scarborough, Ontario.  E.D.I.F.Y stands for Education and Direction for Intelligent and Fit Youth reflecting her belief that children should be whole and healthy in every aspect of their being - whole in heart, whole in mind, whole in body and whole in spirit.  Her commitment to the camp was evidenced by its affordability and flexibility which provided access to more families in the community. 

Shelley-Ann became an Honorary Big Sister to the Big Brothers and Sisters Organization of Ajax-Pickering in 2009.  She will be participating in their most important fundraiser of the year in March 2010 where every dollar raised goes directly to serving children in the community.

Clean Air Champion
Shelley-Ann believes that the earth should be saved and that reducing carbon gas emissions is important.  She has therefore joined forces in 2009 with the Clean Air Champions whose mission is to improve air quality.  They work with elite athletes to motivate and educate Canadians to adopt lifestyles that enhances their environment and personal health.  There are over six billion people in the world sharing one earth and Shelley-Ann believes that our health and the health of our planet are intricately linked.  "It is time for everyone to start giving back because when our world is sick, so are we.  Every individual is needed to do their part to make the earth a healthier, cleaner place to live."
 

Motivational Speaker

Shelley-Ann engages in numerous public speaking events delivering keynote and motivational speeches across the country.  She is a great example of what can be achieved with hard work and determination.  She has been described as a great role model to youth everywhere inspiring them to excellence, fairness, respect and hard work.  When Shelley-Ann is not training, she loves to read, write short stories and poetry, sing and play her guitar.

Fun Facts from Shelley-Ann:
"In my spare time, I love reading and I usually read one or two books a week! I also like to write, sing and play my guitar. My teammates call me a "germophobe", but I can't help it - I really like for things to be clean!  Even though I compete in a winter sport, I actually HATE the cold.  I'm convinced that one day I will move to a place where below zero temperatures, shoveling snow and scraping your windshield in the morning does NOT exist!!"

“I pledge to create a better Canada by working with
children and inspiring them to be their most excellent selves."