Janie McGraw, once a shy girl, is now the star of the national team!
Tune into TSN's Facebook or Youtube LIVE on November 9 at 7:00 pm ET to watch the 2026 National Awards Night.
Written By: Callum Denault, Special Olympics Canada Athlete and Staff Member
As a co-host for the Special Olympics, Janie McGraw and her mother, Irène, are leaving their home in New Brunswick to take part in a taping at the TSN studio located at the Toronto area. Co-hosting alongside Lindsay Hamilton—who also serves on the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Ontario—Janie becomes the first athlete to film a TSN News segment in the new green-screen studio!
Diagnosed at the age of five with a pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified, Janie grew up in a French-speaking environment and learned English by watching English television programs.
During her high school years, she joined the Special Olympics NB figure skating team in 2007. After graduating from high school, she began competing at the provincial level; three years of training later, this led her directly to the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games, where she won gold and silver medals in PyeongChang, South Korea.
"It was surreal!" says Janie. "Back then, I was very nervous and shy. It was like stepping out of my comfort zone and living in a cocoon. After competing in the Games in South Korea, I became a butterfly! It’s hard to explain! But I became much more confident, stronger, both physically and mentally. The old 'me' stayed behind in South Korea!"
Not only has she competed in four national and one world event in figure skating, but she has also participated in soccer, floor hockey, and—most recently—track and field in Medicine Hat, Alberta, where she won a bronze and a silver medal. Furthermore, she has competed twice in the Canada Summer Games in the 100m and 200m races. She was named the "2025 Athlete" by Special Olympics New Brunswick.
I didn’t know I had athletic abilities beyond figure skating, I knew I was a multi-sport athlete, but I was surprised by how well I performed, and I hadn't realized I had the talent to take things further in different sports.
Janie now works as a receptionist at the Centre Plein Air at the Centre Uni in Caraquet. This sport complex features both an indoor arena and an indoor gymnasium. It also offers winter sport facilities and activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, skating, walking, and mountain biking. Janie assists customers with all the services provided.
As an employee, she enjoys free access to the center’s facilities, allowing her to keep training and stay in shape for potential Special Olympics competitions.
She has recently started a relationship with Shawn, whom she met through mutual friends. Shawn is also autistic and has ADHD; Janie encouraged him to participate in the Special Olympics.
As Shawn puts it: "You inspire me with your work ethic, your energy, and your passion for the Special Olympics. I am happy to share this journey with you!"
"It also reminds him that it’s okay to have ADHD and be autistic," Janie replies: "Now he’s more confident, has more energy, and is happier." According to coach Mario Richard, "Shawn is a mirror image of Janie when she first started out. I’ve never seen anything like it in my 30-year career!"
She dedicated her final figure skating performance at the 2024 Special Olympics in Calgary to her father, Gilles, who had passed away some time earlier.
In total, Janie has won 37 gold, 7 silver, and 5 bronze medals across various disciplines.
"Ever since my performance in South Korea, my father called me his 'Golden Girl.' Those were the last words he spoke: 'I love you, my Golden Girl!' I always carry a photo of him with me to help me in my performances. My parents have always been a great source of support in all my athletic activities”. Janie concludes by saying:
You can achieve anything in life, regardless of any condition you may have. If you have a goal, go for it, forget those who have said negative things about you, and keep moving forward until you cross the finish line!