How a London, Ont., gym is breeding a new generation of Olympians

For Julia Tunks, 17, qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics is not only a lifelong dream — it's also a chance to follow in the footsteps of her parents, who are both former Olympians. 

The London, Ont., teen is being trained by none other than her dad, Jason Tunks — a three-time former Olympics discus thrower, who was inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 2014, and now wants to pass the torch onto his daughter, who competes in the same sport.

"The fact that I get to train with my dad, it's a special thing for a child and their parent to work together and so it's really nice to just get out there and bond," said Tunks, a Grade 12 student at Oakridge Secondary School.  

It's also full-circle moment for Jason, who competed in 1996, 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Sydney, and Athens, before retiring from the the track and field sport in 2010. Tunks's mom, Lieja Koeman, participated in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics for shot put.

"To have your child do the exact same event as you is something extremely unique. Obviously, you want your kids to be more successful than you, so I have a lot of pride that I'm in charge of all her training and we're a team," said Jason.

Tunks is among a growing number of aspiring professional athletes who train at the Damian Warner Fitness Centre, named after the London athlete who is a 2020 Olympic decathlon champion and four-time world medallist.

The facility has become a breeding ground for young athletes, including players from the London Lighting and London Knights, said Jason Tunks, a group fitness manager at the gym, where he trains his daughter. 

"We've had a lot of good athletes coming through, about four or five that could be nationally ranked in track and field for