Sports

White Rock Students Rally Behind Teacher’s Olympian Son

Published

2 months ago

13 February, 2026

Editorial

Students at White Rock Christian Academy in South Surrey displayed their Canadian pride on February 12, 2024, as they celebrated the Olympic aspirations of their teacher’s son, speed skater Anders Johnson. The student body gathered to cheer him on during his Olympic debut, which took place in a race broadcast by CBC.

Though currently residing in Edmonton, Alberta, Johnson’s connections to South Surrey run deep, thanks to his parents, who are part of the local community. The school’s enthusiasm for Johnson’s achievements was palpable, with students expressing their excitement for his participation in the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

Cindy Louw, a teacher at White Rock Christian Academy, emphasized the sense of pride felt within the school community. “Our school community is incredibly proud of Anders and the example he sets for our students,” she stated in an email. Although Johnson finished 22nd in his race, Louw noted that his Olympic debut was still a significant milestone worth celebrating.

In addition to his Olympic journey, Johnson has made a name for himself in the speed skating world. He won gold in the team sprint at the 2024 ISU World Single Distances Championships, achieving a world record that was later surpassed in January 2025. Johnson also competed individually at the world championships for the first time in 2025, showcasing his talent on a larger stage.

The connection to sports runs in the family, as Johnson’s late grandfather, Danny Johnson, was a professional player in the NHL, having played for teams such as the Vancouver Canucks and the Detroit Red Wings. This rich sporting legacy adds to the pride felt by the students and faculty at White Rock Christian Academy as they support their Olympian representative.

As the excitement builds for the upcoming Winter Olympics, the students at WRCA continue to rally behind Anders Johnson, embodying the spirit of teamwork and national pride that defines Canada.