Celebrating Shannon Westlake, an SSC Olympian

Technical Advisor. Reservist. Cadet Instructor. Mother. Olympian.

These are just a few of the titles that describe Shannon Westlake, who proudly represented Team Canada at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the women’s 50-metre rifle 3-positions event.

Shannon earned her place in Paris after winning bronze at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile. That win also earned Canada an Olympic quota spot in her event—the first one in more than 20 years. It was an incredible achievement that came after years of hard work and perseverance.

Shannon’s path to Paris was not easy. In 2018, she tore 3 ligaments in her ankle and was told she might never be able to shoot from a kneeling position again. But Shannon didn’t give up. Through determination, recovery and a strong mindset, she came back stronger and made history.

At the Paris Olympics, Shannon competed in the women’s 50-metre rifle 3-positions event and finished 32nd in the qualification round—an impressive accomplishment on the world stage.

Shannon brings that same focus and discipline to her work at SSC, where she is known for her problem-solving skills, teamwork and commitment to excellence. Her colleagues describe her as someone who approaches every challenge with calm precision—qualities that serve her well both at work and in sport.

She also adheres to a daily schedule of waking up at 5 am to work out and meditate before her job at SSC begins at 7 am. It takes a lot of skill to compete at an elite level in sport shooting, she says. “As much as people think you are just standing there trying to hold still, there are a lot of techniques, like wind reading. The light changes can affect how you centre the target. Just staying in those positions—in the kneeling position, your leg will fall asleep; in standing, you need balance, core strength and focus. To stay present for durations of time, that can be a real challenge.”

Shannon discovered her passion for sport shooting at age 12 when she joined the Royal Canadian Army Cadets. She still helps train cadets and has competed in many national and international competitions, including 3 Pan Am Games and the CISM Military World Summer Games.

Now, after achieving her Olympic dream, Shannon continues to balance her work, training and family life—setting an example of determination, excellence and gratitude. “I’m extremely grateful and proud to have represented my country, as well as all of the people who have supported me over the years—my friends, family and everybody at work,” she says.

SSC is proud to celebrate Shannon Westlake’s remarkable accomplishments and the inspiration she brings to her colleagues across the organization.