Olympic boxing sensation Tammara Thibeault is not only dominating the ring but has also conquered academic excellence as she prepares to graduate from Concordia University with a Bachelor of Arts in urban studies and urban planning. The 26-year-old Canadian Olympian will be crossing the stage at Concordia’s fall convocation ceremonies at Montreal’s Place des Arts.
Thibeault, a Shawinigan, Quebec native, has seamlessly balanced her time between academics and sports, dedicating her waking hours to both endeavors. Her commitment has paid off, with notable achievements in women’s boxing, including a remarkable performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she reached the quarterfinals and secured fifth place in the women’s 75 kg event. Thibeault is now gearing up for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.
In addition to her Olympic success, Thibeault claimed the middleweight world champion title at the International Boxing Association Women’s World Boxing Championships in 2022. She also secured gold medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2022 and 2023 American Boxing Confederation Pan American Championships.
Before settling on urban studies, Thibeault initially pursued linguistics with minors in Mandarin and Spanish. However, she decided to switch paths after taking a semester off and exploring her true passions and career aspirations.
Thibeault discovered her interest in sustainability, planning, and project management through the Game Plan program offered by the Canadian national team, which includes a school counselor. With the counselor’s guidance, she found urban studies to be a perfect fit and applied to Concordia in 2018.
Reflecting on her academic journey, Thibeault acknowledges the challenges of balancing her role as a professional athlete with her studies. Despite spending considerable time abroad for her sport, she commends her teachers at Concordia for their support and accommodation.
Her dedication to academics and sports has not only led to a successful undergraduate degree but has also inspired her to pursue a master’s degree in architecture with a focus on sustainable energy for housing. Thibeault envisions contributing to the development of sustainable and affordable energy systems for vulnerable or low-income communities, ensuring accessibility and adaptability in the face of climate change.
Thibeault encourages fellow student-athletes to persevere, emphasizing that sacrifices made during the academic journey will pay off in the end. As she transitions from her stellar boxing career to higher education pursuits, Thibeault exemplifies the importance of passion and purpose beyond the realm of athletics.
