Vaughn Chipeur

In the News:
The Globe & Mail - Late Boomer (Feb 01, 2010) ~ Chipeur had humble beginnings and...
Calgary Herald - Olympian Chipeur finally finds his groove (Jan 27, 2010)

Date of Birth: December 21, 1984
Place of Birth: Lloydminster, SK
Residence: Calgary, AB
Height: 5'7"
Club: Calalta Community FSC
Training Site: Calalta Community FSC, Calgary, AB
Coach: Scott Davis, Jeff Langon
Choreographer: Kurt Browning, Tom Dickson
Began Skating at Age: 10

Started skating in the local learn to skate program offered by Skate Canada (in Kitscoty Alberta) at the age of 3. Vaughn played hockey at his local arena up to and including his first year of Atom. At the age of 4 Vaughn enrolled at the Allison Lamont School of Dance with his 2 other siblings, sister Daniell and his brother Ashley. Between music, dance, hockey and skating Vaughn’s after school activities were very busy and disciplined.
At the age of 10 Vaughn and his brother Ashley enrolled in a one week summer skating school session, where they each passed 2 dances. A coach suggested that the boys should sign up for lessons at their local club.
This summer school is where Vaughn first met Jae Copeland, and developed a life time friendship. Jae has been one of Vaughn's best supporters, mentors and friend.
Jae has always been there for Vaughn through some of his toughest times in skating.
One of my earliest and fondest memories of Vaughn was when he first learned how to do an axel. He would skate a full circuit of the ice, at top speed, then take off for an axel that covered half the width of the ice surface. At that early age he couldn’t even see over the top of the rink boards but he sure could jump over them.
Right from the beginning it was evident that he was born to fly across the ice. He never exhibited any hesitation or fear when learning something new, rather he embraced the challenge, and everything was done at full speed. It is no surprise that he has rocketed onto the World scene and is known around the world for his extraordinary jumping ability.
He has matured into a kind, considerate and determined young man focused on attaining his goals/dreams. I am very proud of him and am honoured to have contributed, in any way, to his success.
- Jae Copeland (a former Skate Canada Coach and current Judge)

Following Vaughn's parents divorce, Vaughn's mom and his siblings moved to Edmonton, where Vaughn started skating with coach Katherine Co. Vaughn’s first success in skating started with Katherine earning him numerous medals at the Junior National level.
One of Vaughn’s first memorable experiences was meeting Barbara Graham (Skaters Development head for Alberta)Vaughn first met Barbara Graham at his first Junior National competition in 1998. With his coach not being able to come to his first event (due to a death in the family) Barbara took over the responsibility as coach. This was an exciting event and Vaughn had a great but memorable learning experience with Barbara at the helm. After 9 years of coaching, Katherine retired to start a family of her own.

Needing some motivation and new scenery for skating, Vaughn decided that skating wasn't going where he wanted it to. He really wanted to change venues for his skating and approached Scott Davis at the Calalta Club. With Scott Davis to motivate Vaughn and a few new fans at the skating club Vaughn regained a new passion for skating.
Scott Davis has been a big motivator and a mentor, making sure that Vaughn has the right tools to get him to that International level of skating.
Vaughn continues to look forward to bigger and better things skating at the International level. His talent, drive and determination earned him that coveted ticket to represent Canada at the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver.

More information on Skate Canada website.