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Canadian Olympic hurdler shares her inspiring story
Olympian, World Champion, TV host, and bestselling author of My Mother’s Daughter, Perdita Felicien talks about life after sport, the triumphant and harrowing moments from her childhood, and how her mother’s love and grit pulled them through tough times, including domestic abuse and homelessness.
Hear about the sacrifices it took to climb to the top, her illustrious racing career, and how writing about her mother’s struggles as a young immigrant woman from St. Lucia helped her see her own life and motherhood journey in a new light. Join us for an uplifting and heartfelt story that shows us overcoming hurdles and achieving success—in sport and in life—often relies on the courage of those closest to you.
Perdita Felicien is a two-time Olympian, ten-time National Champion, and the first Canadian woman to win a World Championship gold medal in track and field. A Canadian Athlete of the Year and Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medalist, Felicien retired from professional sports in 2013 and is now a broadcast journalist and host of the award-winning prime time TVO series, All Round Champion. She is an advocate for multiple humanitarian organizations including Right to Play and The Denise House women’s emergency shelter in Oshawa, Ontario, which she credits with helping her family get on their feet in the late 1980s.
A Different Drummer Books will be onsite selling the book My Mother's Daughter for signing after the talk.
Borrow My Mother's Daughter from our collection
If you need an accessibility accommodation during this program, please register early so we can confirm arrangements a few days before your visit.
Central Library is the largest location and houses historical and special collections, a computer lab, meeting rooms for public rental, and departments responsible for system-wide library services support. Burlington Public Library is a tax-supported registered charitable organization.
