With a career in endurance sporting event production that spans 28 years, and the last three as the vision behind the Centurion Cycling series of events, Graham Fraser is ready to take on another challenge after his recent induction into the Ironman Hall of Fame.
Having created the Subaru Triathlon Series and built Ironman Canada, Fraser also led the expansion of Ironman across North America adding six full Ironman races and two 70.3 races in the United States. “I’ve lived a dream,” said Fraser, adding, “If you work hard, if you believe in yourself, if you put people ahead of yourself, dreams happen.”
Not only did Fraser’s dreams come true, so did those of countless others.
“Triathletes in Ontario were very fortunate to have a top notch series and it can still be seen today in the number of people that can trace their origins to participation in these races,” said Brian Keast. “Multiply that effect by the thousands of individuals initiated into the Ironman experience due to Graham’s North American races. Those events defined the Ironman experience and set the high expectations to which other races were measured.”
“A commitment to excellence in race production; to focusing on the athlete and putting that front and center to the equation; and for making big races feel small and friendly,” said Rhys Spencer, adding, “Graham’s career is proof positive of focus on the customer and the rest follows.”
A pioneer in the sport of triathlon, Fraser has moved back to Ontario and is ready to expand upon what he’s learned and lead a new charge – tackling the epidemic of obesity in Canada. “Leading and influencing an increasingly obese nation, that is my passion and what I plan to spend the rest of my life doing.”
According to Statistics Canada, 31 percent of Canada’s youth (ages 5 to 17) are overweight or obese. With the percentages not improving over a number of years, Fraser feels now is the time to get rolling.
In addition to growing the Centurion Cycling event series in Ontario which is designed to get more people riding bikes no matter whether they are recreational riders or serious racers, Fraser’s newest event concept involves getting all of Canada moving. The multi-day festival involving multiple sports would take place in the summer of 2013, and further details will be unveiled after the turn of the year.
These new opportunities, providing the avenue and programs for individuals and families to change their lives for the better, are where Fraser finds his motivation and drive.
“His primary passion is bringing health and fitness to communities in North America,” said eight-time Ironman World Champion Paula Newby-Fraser. “All the people that he has influenced because of what he has built and the standards that he set and the giving back he has done to so many communities, he’s the one and only Graham Fraser.”
Being recognized by a Hall of Fame induction usually means an amazing career has come to an end. For Graham Fraser, it means a new chapter is just beginning.