Olympian Syla Swords visits Sudbury school, inspires students
Canadian basketball Olympian Syla Swords returned to her hometown Friday, visiting Alexander Public School to share her journey with students.
Syla Swords at Sudbury school
Basketball Olympian Syla Swords talks with students at Alexander Public School in Greater Sudbury, Ont., on May 30, 2025. (Lyndsay Aelick/CTV News Northern Ontario)
At 18, Swords became the youngest woman ever to represent Canada in basketball at the Olympics, competing with the Senior Women's National Team at the 2024 Paris Games.
'I just think it's so important to give back to the community, especially a town like Sudbury, where it's so small,' Swords said.
'There aren't a lot of opportunities athletic-wise, so just to be able to show the kids that you can do what you want no matter where you're living, no matter where you're from.'
Brielle and Audrey Dewar
Basketball great Syla Swords' cousins, Brielle and Audrey Dewar, talk with CTV News about her visit to their school on May 30, 2025. (Lyndsay Aelick/CTV News Northern Ontario)
The visit came at the request of Swords' cousins, Brielle and Audrey Dewar, who asked her to speak to their class. The school expanded the event to include students in Grades 3 through 8.
Christine Chisholm
Christine Chisholm, the principal of Alexander Public School in Greater Sudbury, Ont., talks with CTV News about Olypian Syla Swords visit to the school on May 30, 2025. (Lyndsay Aelick/CTV News Northern Ontario)
'The biggest gift we can give our children is to light that spark, to give that sense of pride,' said principal Christine Chisholm.
'She's created such a buzz in the school. They're so excited to meet her. And truly, I think sports really lends itself well to that – setting goals and actionable goals. They're all transferable to anything.'
Swords, who plays for the University of Michigan, emphasized the importance of pursuing passion in any field.
'It doesn't matter what realm it's in, whether it's sports, academics, anything like that,' she said.
'It's important to invest yourself in something and find your confidence through that and enjoy your life through that.'
Syla Swords talks in Sudbury
Basketball Olympian Syla Swords address a gym full of Grade 3-8 students at Alexander Public School in Greater Sudbury, Ont., on May 30, 2025. (Lyndsay Aelick/CTV News Northern Ontario)
Currently in her off-season, Swords will join Canada's under-19 team this summer and compete at GLOBL JAM. Looking ahead, she hopes to split her time between playing professionally in Europe and the U.S. while chasing her ultimate goal: an Olympic gold medal.
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