He's Got the Edge
A light-hearted Q&A with the people who make the Okanagan work


Sean Colluney
Contributed - May 06, 2020 - Got the Edge

Photo: Contributed

With what business or organization are you involved? Valley Pool and Spa

What is your role with that organization? Business development and sales manager.

What’s your favourite thing about living in the Okanagan? Weather and lifestyle. We have four seasons as opposed to many parts of our country and easy access to lots of outdoor activities year round. The Okanagan is definitely the best area of Canada to live, and we should count ourselves lucky that we live in such a beautiful part of the world.

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world, who would you choose and why? Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics and former world record holder in the 800 metres, 1500 metres and mile. He was my hero while I was a young runner, and he has made the jump from world record holder and multiple Olympic champion to being British Minister of Sport to the president of World Athletics, the international track and field governing body.

What’s your go-to happy place? Zihuatanejo, Mexico, which is my winter happy place. We have a condo there and love the place. The people are amazing, and the nightlife is so much fun. Incredible restaurants, great beaches. It is just such a beautiful place. My summer happy place would definitely be out camping and mountain biking.

What are you most proud of? What beat my athletic accolades was my accomplishment as a coach. Being a positive influence on young athletes and helping several to international competition has been very fulfilling. Also being awarded a civic award for my contribution to sport has been a feather in my cap.

What are the top three things on your bucket list? Having a degree in history, I have always been fascinated with ancient cultures. Therefore, I want to visit:
1. The pyramids in Egypt
2. Machu Picchu in Peru
3. Anghor Wat in Cambodia

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten? Originally being from Bolton (just outside Manchester) in England, it has to be Bury black pudding! If you know what black pudding is, you have probably never eaten it again! This is a special kind of black pudding from the town of Bury, England.

Latest movie or book? Latest book I am reading is the Knights of the Black and White (book two of the Templar trilogy, based on the Knights Templar) by local Kelowna author and former professor of mine at SFU Jack Whyte. Jack Whyte is my favourite historical fiction writer. He has written several incredible series of novels.

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? The copious amount of alcohol given to me at my 50th birthday party in February of this year. I think I have enough to open a bar now! Pretty much stocked for life.

If today were your last day, how would you spend it? With my beautiful fiancée, Andrea. Every day I get to spend with her is a gift on its own. She is an inspiration to be around. Also my family. I have been blessed with wonderful parents and amazing children, two of whom have their own children now. I am so lucky to be surrounded with such a loving family. That is how I would like to spend my last day, surrounded with friends and family.


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