Warner was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in December 2021. Monday’s free public celebration featured a commemorative replica plaque unveiling along with other special events.Additionally, Warner, like other inductees, received $10,000 to donate to a charity or cause of their choosing, which he split between BGC London and KidSport Canada, according to officials.
On top of stunning the world in 2021 after setting a new all-time Olympic record in the decathlon in becoming the fourth person in history to finish with more than 9,000 points, and setting a world decathlon best in the 100-metre, long jump and 110-metre hurdles, Warner was chosen to carry the Canadian flag in the closing ceremonies of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.In thanking his team and supporters, Warner expressed his appreciation for their continuous work and support.
“I don’t necessarily think people can truly understand the amount of sacrifice that coaches and teachers have to make to give to an athlete, not only for them but their families as well,” said. “I think it’s really important to give thanks to that whenever we can and from the bottom of my heart, I want you guys to know that all the sacrifices and everything that you guys have given to me over the years, I truly, truly appreciate it.
Damian Warner at Western University’s Thompson Arena on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, as part of Canada’s Walk of Fame Hometown Stars initiative.Moving on to thank his family, Warner shared “the most important words” he’d ever received. “My mother told me that you can do anything you set your mind to and that’s what I’ve tried to run my life by,” he said. “But at the same time, I understand that things just don’t happen. You have to surround yourself with the right people my mom taught me too.”“The saying that it takes a village is completely accurate in my case, but in this case, it takes a city,” he said.