Zachary Bernier‑Michaud's Journey to Success
As a community-focused facility where individuals come to celebrate the power of connection and personal growth, the YMCA has many inspiring member stories that remind us of what’s possible when you chase your dreams and surround yourself with people who uplift you.
For young athlete Zachary, community made all the difference in his journey to become a champion athlete. Born in Montreal, raised in Bangkok, and now living in Kelowna, 21-year-old Zachary is a dedicated athlete with an Ironman personal best of 8 hours and 11 minutes, and the youngest U-20 Ironman winner in history. But behind the accolades is a story of grit, heart, and the unwavering support of a community that believed in him.
Zachary's triathlon journey began nearly six years ago when he was in the 10th grade of high school in Thailand. While in school, he discovered a vibrant community of endurance sports enthusiasts and was inspired by his high school principal, an Ironman triathlete, to try sprint triathlons. Zachary’s first sprint triathlon sparked his passion for the sport, leading him to join cross-country and swim teams and invest all his savings in a bicycle, with the goal of pursuing triathlons professionally one day.
When Zachary moved to Kelowna to study Kinesiology at UBC Okanagan, he found a new home at the YMCA of Southern Interior BC. For over three years, he’s trained at the YMCA 5 to 6 days a week.
"My life would be very different without the YMCA.” says Zachary. “The location is convenient, the student membership is affordable, and the hours of operation are excellent. There’s always a lane open in the pool and space in the gym when I come here. The Y offers great facilities that help me get all my training done.”
Beyond the equipment and facilities, Zachary values the sense of community at the YMCA. Being part of a supportive community that encourages growth is essential for everyone, and the Y offers that community.
“I love coming to the YMCA because of the friendly and supportive staff,” says Zachary. “Bill, a lifeguard at the Kelowna Family YMCA, is super nice. Every time I see him, we always have a great conversation. Bill is incredibly supportive of my goal to become a world champion one day. He is always cheering me on, and he truly believes in me.”
Zachary’s journey is fueled by a deep passion for endurance sports and a commitment to becoming the best version of himself. He encourages others to believe in themselves and to never give up on their dreams.
“I don’t think achieving your dreams can be done alone. It’s so important to surround yourself with people who believe in you. With self-belief and hard work, anything is possible. Ignore any doubts and focus your energy on your goals,” says Zachary. “If you do that, you’ll achieve something great.”
Zachary also emphasizes the importance of youth participation in sports, not just for physical health, but for building friendships, resilience, confidence, and lifelong skills.
“It’s so important for children and youth to get involved in sports because sports serve as a powerful platform for instilling valuable life skills,” explains Zachary. “Sports teach us how to build strong relationships with peers and coaches, and foster discipline and self-belief. Take swimming, for example. As a child, the idea of swimming across the pool might seem daunting, but through perseverance, it builds resilience and confidence. Ultimately, the most important lesson is to truly believe in yourself and dare to dream big.”
Zachary’s journey of courage, connection, and transformation is one of many that unfold at the YMCA every day. Amazing things happen when we come together. Stories like Zachary’s show how community support and personal determination can lead to extraordinary achievements.
If you would like to join the Y community, we welcome you to sign up for membership today.
The YMCA of Southern Interior BC is a cause-driven charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. For over 43 years, the Y has provided opportunities for people to shine through a variety of programs and services focused on health and wellness, child care, camps, employment services, education, and training. Many of the Y’s programs are only made possible through the generosity of community donors. To help make a difference, please consider making a donation.