James Bertrim likes sports. A Grade 12 student at Lockerby Composite School, Bertrim is involved with several — volleyball, track and field, golf, swimming, hockey, badminton and soccer.
He has won numerous city and Northern Ontario Secondary School Athletics (NOSSA) titles, and has competed at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) level, earning a silver and bronze in swimming at Windsor in 2023.
He has acted as team captain for the senior boys’ volleyball team (Grades 9, 10 and 12). He most recently recieved a bronze medal with the senior volleyball team at Lockerby in November 2023.
Bertrim is in the Science Technology Education Program (STEP), studying biology and enriched math, and is involved with the Athletic Association at Lockerby as co-president, organizing, supervising and scheduling events, acting as the voice of morning sports announcements, emcee for pep rallies and participating in the cancer drive each year.
“Sports have always been such a dynamic part of my life,” James said. “I’ve always felt a need to be active, and I love the idea of being a part of something bigger than myself. I tried out for every team I could make time for.”
Bertrim credits his sister as a major influence and inspiration.
“Having an older sister who was athletic and driven encouraged me to follow in her footsteps,” he said. “I got into swimming and volleyball thanks to her. She was a great motivator for me to compete at a provincial and national level. I watched her from a young age have great success at provincial championships and I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps.
“Her work ethic at practice was admirable. I remember when she had achieved a bronze medal at the OFSAA Swimming Championships, and her picture went up on the wall at Lo-Ellen. I wanted to one-up her, and I did exactly that.”
A wide-ranging athlete, Bertrim explained his interest in the way different activities sometimes work together.
“It’s always fascinating how each sport compliments one another and the training of one brings you to another level in another. Like how significant distance running increases my aerobic endurance in the pool. I am a huge believer in being a multi-sport athlete, and I don’t think anyone should be limited to one team or club.”
When asked what he considers his greatest accomplishment, Bertrim points to his latest wins.
“Thus far, I’d have to say my OFSAA podium finishes in Windsor of 2023. I swam two of my strongest events, the 100-metre breaststroke (third place) and the 200-metre freestyle (second place),” he said.
“What made this so special was that I managed two personal bests while representing my school in front of thousands of people and many fellow teammates. The energy around the pool during those final sessions was unlike any competition I had raced in before. Adrenaline was soaring through me when I stepped up on the blocks.
“To have the support from my friends was unique to this competition, as swimming doesn’t attract as much of a crowd as a hockey game would. The motivation of my teammates led me to a significant second personal best in my 200-metre freestyle. I was extremely proud to bring home a pair of medals representing Lockerby and I hope this year to reach the top of the podium.”
Bertrim credits his coach with helping him achieve.
“More recently, our volleyball team competed in Kitchener in late November where we captured a bronze medal. Of course, competing as a team under Coach Stephen Beausoleil was indeed a highlight of my high school career. Together we have been practicing for this event for the past four years. Earning a medal was the icing on the cake.”
Asked what inspires him, Bertrim had a bit of a list.
“I have had the pleasure of meeting some of my closest friends through sports, which has made playing for teams so much more meaningful,” he said. “I’ve always been inspired by older teammates and athletes I’ve watched become successful. I’ve also had the pleasure of swimming with some inspiring athletes who have been role models for me growing up. One in particular would be Sudbury Laurentian’s Nina Kucheran, who now swims at the University of Florida and has amounted to numerous national, NCAA, and international achievements. To see the rewards of her athletic career was remarkable, and I dreamed of having the opportunities she had.”
Bertrim talks about the influence of volunteering in his life as well.
“I feel a responsibility to give back to my community. I’ve been fortunate to have so many coaches and mentors in my athletic disciplines who spend countless hours training, practicing, travelling, spending time away from home, spending their weekends, waking up early, going home late, etc. Thanks to their sacrifices, I’ve made unforgettable memories, friends and have had success that never would have been possible without them. I want any kid to be able to have the journeys I have had, and I have to do my part in making that possible.”
Bertrim credits his parents, too, with getting him where he is.
“My parents — and even grandparents — helped me regularly become who I am today since we spend a lot of time together. I have been an active and busy kid my whole life and I have been supported the entire time. What I appreciate most of all from my parents is that they didn’t get involved with the politics of sport and make it a negative experience. They allowed me to have positive relationships with my coaches and trusted me to advocate for myself if there was a need.”
Asked about his future, Bertrim has mixed feelings. In particular, he is disappointed by the ongoing closure of the Laurentian University pool.
“Before it closed, I would have said that I would be studying in a SPAD or Engineering program here in town, and swimming under the direction of former Vees coach, Phil Parker. Since the pool remains closed, that is no longer an option. I have had to make connections with coaches and schools across the country, and in the next several weeks I will have to narrow down my choices and commit to a school with a program and competitive swim team that best suits me. I am excited to begin a new chapter of my athletic and academic journey elsewhere, and to meet some more great people along the way.”
James Bertrim’s words of inspiration
“I feel a responsibility to give back to my community.”
James Stewart is a writer in North Bay. Inspire is made possible by our Community Leaders Program
