The roles are reversed and Caeli McKay now plays the role of big sister. The adopted Quebecer wants to take inspiration from the support that Meaghan Benfeito has offered her for several years to now support the young 18-year-old Ontario woman Kate Miller.
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When Roseline Filion retired after the 2016 Rio Games, Benfeito turned to McKay, who, at age 17, had decided a year earlier to leave family and friends in Calgary to train in Montreal.
McKay says bluntly that the 34-year-old from Laval has been “a mentor” to her. The three-time Olympic medalist supported her through her senior debut, through the pandemic and all the way to Tokyo, where McKay made the jump despite a serious left ankle injury sustained a month into the Olympics. The duo narrowly landed on the podium in the 10-meter synchronized event.
Meaghan Benfeito (left) and Caeli McKay (right) during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, which ultimately took place in July 2021. Photo AFP
Despite this determination, McKay struggled with depression at Port Olympic. Then Benfeito hung up his jersey and the original Albertan underwent surgery in October 2022.
His return to competition was marked by the arrival of Miller, who competed in junior competitions just a year and a half ago.
Like a mother or a sister?
“She understands me. Physically and mentally she had the same problems as me on certain dives. She is always there for me, like a model who guides and advises me. She's almost like my mother!' Miller said with a laugh at the end of training earlier this week in preparation for the World Championships in Montreal, which is in full swing at the Olympic Park swimming pool.
“Maybe my diving sister? My big sister, that's for sure!” The Ottawa woman tried to recover when she saw McKay's reaction and smiled from ear to ear.
“I know I can always count on her, especially when I'm having problems or under pressure,” Miller added more seriously.
Kate Miller in full length in the Olympic Park swimming pool, Tuesday, February 27, 2024. Photo Agence QMI, JOEL LEMAY
“It can be very impressive”
McKay fully embraces his role.
“I try to help Kate as much as I can,” she said. I've been through a lot, and if I see someone else going through the same difficult waters, I'll try to support them.”
“It's much better today, but last year I tried to support Kate when she was alongside a world champion. “It can be very overwhelming and you don’t always know how to respond,” McKay said. I want her to have fun and not be too nervous. But you never really get rid of stress, you learn to deal with it.”
Caeli McKay took part in training ahead of the Diving World Cup in Montreal on Tuesday. Photo agency QMI, JOEL LEMAY
Lives in Montreal
Working alongside McKay, Miller quickly gained experience. They notably won silver at last year's World Championships in Berlin and their sixth-place finish at the Aquatic Sports Worlds in Qatar earlier this month allowed them to clinch a ticket to this summer's Olympics.
“Almost a year ago I experienced my first big competition with Caeli and the best divers. Everything was new for me. This week I want to have fun and enjoy it. I now know how it works, I know the other athletes and the system. I just have to concentrate on myself. I can’t wait to show what I can do and I will continue to improve until the Paris Games,” said Miller, who says she is enjoying Montreal.
The Quebec metropolis has also won the heart of McKay, who has lived there for eight years.
“I feel at home in Montreal, although I still miss Calgary very much. I miss my family and the mountains. I built a new life here and met my husband there [l’ancien plongeur olympique Vincent Riendeau]. I feel comfortable here, but I feel like my home is anywhere in Canada!”
Caeli McKay and Kate Miller will compete in the individual and synchronized 10m competition this weekend.
18-year-old Kate Miller from Ontario moved to Montreal to train. Photo agency QMI, JOEL LEMAY