Life Beyond the Game: A Heartfelt Message from a Seattle Kraken Mom

Alison Oleksiak believes her kids have benefited from engaging in various activities, from elite sports to hobbies. She moved to Canada in her 20s and met Richard, her future husband, on a Toronto movie set. They have three children: Jamie, Penny, and Hayley. Hayley is especially notable for her competitive figure skating in her youth and later became a rower at Northeastern University.

Richard, standing at 6-foot-8, is a screenwriter from Buffalo with a rich athletic background. He played rugby and ran track at Colgate University. From a previous marriage, he has two children: Jake, who was set to play NCAA Division 1 hockey at Clarkson University before an injury, and Claire, a skilled skier.

The Oleksiak siblings are close-knit. They traveled to Paris last summer to support Penny in her third Olympic attempt. Alison and Richard encouraged all their children to play multiple sports and explore various hobbies. Music education was also a priority. Jamie began learning the trombone as a child but now focuses more on guitar and piano. Their grandfather, Eric, still plays multiple instruments, including the clarinet and violin, at 89 years old.

“My father always emphasizes the importance of life after sports,” Alison said. He introduced her to swimming back in Troon. Alison values the confidence and teamwork skills gained through sports. “You learn to work towards a common goal and understand that success and failure are part of life.”

As a young female swimmer, she felt that breaking through gender barriers sent a powerful message about inclusivity in sports. “Diversity is crucial in showcasing opportunities for everyone,” she noted, crediting her dad for instilling this belief.

Oleksiak’s brother, who plays defense for the Seattle Kraken, echoed his mother’s sentiments. He said their parents prioritized academics over athletics, using sports as a stepping stone to education rather than an end goal. Although he only played one season at Northeastern University before joining the Ontario Hockey League, he is now taking college courses through an NHL program, much to his mother’s delight.

Alison’s achievements as a swimmer are impressive but not widely known. She was a notable age-level competitor in Scotland, although she never represented Great Britain at major international events. In the late 1970s, she excelled at the Scottish age group championships and was a standout at age 13, placing second in the 200-meter individual medley at the Club Championship of Great Britain.

As her swimming career progressed, the controversial 1980 Olympic boycott affected her potential Olympic aspirations. The British Olympic committee faced immense pressure, leading to a divided decision among athletes about participating in the Moscow Games.

The Oleksiak family clearly values both sports and academics, weaving together a foundation of diverse skills and experiences. This blend fosters a strong sense of identity and community, shaping a legacy of resilience and determination in both sports and life.