Hometown Olympic Skater Supporting Mental Health with CMHA Calgary

Feb 23, 2026

From the ‘88 Olympic Ice to the 2026 Push-Up Challenge

At CMHA Calgary, we believe that mental health is strengthened when community leaders step forward to share their stories and take action. This year, as Calgarians come together through the 2026 Push-Up Challenge to raise awareness and funds for local mental health programs, a familiar hometown name is once again making an impact — this time in support of mental wellness across our city.

Rod Garossino, who represented Canada at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary alongside his sister and ice dance partner Karyn, is channeling the same dedication, resilience, and community spirit that defined his skating career into supporting CMHA Calgary’s work.

A Legacy on Home Ice

At the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, siblings Rod and Karyn Garossino captured the hearts of the home crowd and millions watching around the world with their skill, enthusiasm, and unmistakable Canadian charm. Competing in ice dance, they finished 12th in a field of 20 teams.

Beyond the Olympic spotlight, the pair consistently ranked among the world’s top competitors, placing in the top 10 at the World Figure Skating Championships four times between 1985 and 1989, with a peak finish of 8th in 1989. That same year, Garossino & Garossino captured gold at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships in Chicoutimi, Quebec, following six consecutive years on the podium, including four silver medals — a testament to their determination, grit, and strong work ethic.

Understanding Pressure — On and Off the Ice

Training and competing at the highest levels brings intense physical and mental demands. Over the years, Rod learned to navigate these pressures in healthy ways and carried those lessons into everyday life. He also recognizes that many people do not have access to the supports or coaching needed to cope with stress — which can contribute to mental health challenges and addiction.

This understanding is one of the reasons Rod is passionate about supporting organizations like CMHA Calgary, which works to ensure people in our community can access the tools, connections, and supports they need to maintain mental wellness.

Continuing to Give Back

Since retiring from competitive skating, Rod and Karyn have remained deeply connected to their community and the sport they love. Rod has volunteered extensively, including serving seven years on the Board of Directors for Skate Canada, eight years as a Governor with Education Matters, as a Director with Youth Singers of Calgary since 2018, and as a Director with Skate Canada Alberta–NWT/Nunavut since 2020.

Professionally, Rod has built a career focused on community impact through both corporate community investment and the non-profit sector. He now works with one of Canada’s leading live-in addiction recovery facilities, Fresh Start Recovery Centre.

In this role, Rod witnesses both the challenges of addiction and mental illness — and, importantly, the hope and transformation that comes through recovery, positive choices, and supportive environments that foster mental wellness.

Pushing for Better — Together

Right now, Rod is once again teaming up to make a difference — but this time, the partnership looks a little different. Instead of brother and sister on the ice, it’s a father and daughter duo.

Rod and Brooke are participating in the 2026 Push-Up Challenge in support of CMHA Calgary, joining thousands across the community in raising funds and sparking conversations about mental health.

Every push-up helps support local programs, education, and peer support services that make a meaningful difference for individuals and families across Calgary.

Support Team Garossino & Garossino

If you would like to support Rod individually or cheer on “Team Garossino & Garossino,” please visit:

Rod’s page:
www.thepushupchallenge.ca/fundraisers/rodgarossino/the-push-up-challenge

Team page:
https://www.thepushupchallenge.ca/fundraisers/thegarossinos

Join them in pushing for better and helping build a community where mental health matters.

About CMHA Calgary

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Calgary is a community-based charity dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live, learn, and thrive. Through mental health education, peer support, community programs, and advocacy, CMHA Calgary supports thousands of individuals and families each year.

Funds raised through initiatives like the Push-Up Challenge stay local — helping deliver programs that reduce barriers, strengthen resilience, and create spaces where people feel connected, supported, and empowered on their mental health journey.

Together, we are building a more compassionate and mentally healthy Calgary.