Racewalkers: A Champion's Influence on Hollywood Stars in a Canadian Comedy Film
A world champion in race walking, Evan Dunfee from Richmond, B.C., is sharing his expertise with Hollywood stars for a Canadian comedy film centered around the Olympic sport. The movie, titled "Racewalkers," features a former baseball pitcher who transitions to race walking to qualify for the Olympic event. Dunfee, an Olympic bronze medallist and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, served as a consultant for the film, ensuring that race walking was portrayed respectfully and authentically.
The film's co-directors, Kevin Claydon and Phil Moniz, along with the cast, including Robbie Amell and Greg Bryk, embraced the challenge of showcasing the sport's competitive nature while injecting humor into the storyline. Claydon and Moniz consulted with members of the race walking community to ensure accuracy and respect in their portrayal of the sport's athletes.
Race walking, which debuted as an Olympic event in 1908, has strict rules that differentiate it from running. Athletes must maintain one foot on the ground at all times and keep their leading leg straight as they walk. The film captures the intensity and competitiveness of race walking while adding a comedic twist to the narrative.
Robbie Amell, known for his roles in "Upload" and "The Flash," plays a veteran athlete determined to maintain his dominance in the sport. Amell's portrayal of the character's race walking style impressed Evan Dunfee, who provided guidance and tips to the actors to enhance their performances. Amell's commitment to embodying the character's demeanor through his race walking technique was praised by Dunfee.
The production of "Racewalkers" was a collaborative effort, with Amell contributing as a producer through his Collective Pictures production company. The film marks the feature film debut for co-directors Claydon and Moniz, who aimed to create a lighthearted yet respectful portrayal of race walking. Dunfee's cameo appearance in the film added authenticity to the race walking scenes, showcasing his dedication to promoting the sport to a wider audience.
Evan Dunfee's focus now shifts to preparing for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where he aims to compete and potentially secure another podium finish. His passion for race walking and dedication to inspiring the next generation of athletes highlight his commitment to the sport's growth and development. As "Racewalkers" hits theaters, audiences can enjoy a comedic take on the world of race walking, guided by the expertise of a champion like Dunfee.