Oro-Medonte native takes on the world in Tokyo
Oro-Medonte's Peter Disera took on the world on Monday morning, competing in the Tokyo Olympic games.
After a hard-fought race, the mountain biker finished 26th overall.
"Overall happy with the race. I didn't have the extraordinary day that some of the athletes had today, but it also wasn't a day I'm upset about," Disera told CTV News Barrie shortly after crossing the finish line.
The athlete credits his success over his career to the support he's received from family, friends and the community.
His family home was adorned in red and white as he made his Olympic debut.
"It's absolutely overwhelming, and it's just so wonderful to see all of his hard work paid off, and he is where he wanted to be," said Disera's mother, Pamela.
The 26-year-old Oro-Medonte man was the sole Canadian representing the country in men's mountain biking - an accomplishment his family says was forged in the hills of central Ontario.
"This open forest that we live in was a contributing factor, the trails and hardwood hills," his mom said.
In 2007, his family said he began competing at Hardwood Ski and Bike, and not soon after that, he began separating himself from the pack.
The president and general manager of Hardwood, Gareth Houben, said Disera had a natural talent and a work ethic like none other.
"Knowing that he got a small portion of success training here makes us feel very proud of Hardwood," said Houben.
The hill has also been a training ground for his brother Quinton who is climbing the international mountain biking ranks.
The younger sibling said his brother set the bar high, but it inspires him to get better each day.
"Growing up with him, I was always trying to nip at his heels," said Quinton.
The family said Disera would fly home in the coming days, but his time back in Canada will be short, as he and his brother will head to Italy next month for the world championships.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
World's record-breaking hot temperature streak stretches through April
The world just experienced its hottest April on record, extending an 11-month streak in which every month set a temperature record, the European Union's climate change monitoring service said on Wednesday.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.