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University of Toronto Athletics

Track and Field

STUDENT ATHLETE STORIES: DHANOA IS RACING TO THE FINISH LINE OF A CAREER IN ATHLETICS

Each Thursday, varsityblues.ca will highlight a U of T student-athlete and their academic pursuits. Each of these students achieved first class honours with an AGPA of at least 3.50 in the previous academic year. These are our Student-Athlete Stories, presented by Egg Farmers of Ontario.

For Varsity Blues track and field athlete Shan Dhanoa, a passion for running has him looking towards the finish line of a career in sports.

"I've always had a passion for running and an interest in medicine," said Dhanoa. "Kinesiology felt like the perfect balance as it explores how the human body moves, while also looking at the psychological and social factors that influence it."
 
(Dhanoa studying on campus in November 2025 | Photo by Barry McCluskey)
 
Hailing from Brockville, Ont., Dhanoa thought that coming from a small high school could hold him back. Despite the uncertainty, the middle distance runner took inspiration from his mom. "She's a nurse, and seeing how hard she works and how much she helps others really inspired me. It showed me the kind of opportunities that exist and the difference you can make in people's lives."

Since enrolling in the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education (KPE), Dhanoa has admired the passion that his professors bring to the classroom. "It feels like more than just a job to them. They truly care about helping us learn and apply what we're studying to the outside world." He credits this passion to helping him succeed in his studies. "It doesn't feel like you're just another student. They know you, support you and want you to succeed. That kind of environment makes learning so much more meaningful."

As a varsity athlete, Dhanoa's developed the discipline and time management skills needed in order to succeed on and off the track. "It's all about finding a rhythm that works and making sure I am giving my best in both areas," he recalled. Dhanoa highlighted planning his week out in advance, especially on competition weekends. "Some days are tougher than others, but having that structure and support from my teammates and professors really helps keep me grounded."
 
(Dhanoa competing at the 2025 Can Am Classic in Windsor | Barry McCluskey)
 
Mixing his passion for sport with his academics. Dhanoa highlighted his ongoing research in KPE390 Directed Research. "It's been exciting to connect my background as an athlete with biomechanics and data analysis, and to see how research can deepen our understanding of performance."

His performance paid off at the 2025 U SPORTS championship when Dhanoa competed in the 4x800m relay.

"It was such an honor to line up against the top runners in the country and to do it alongside some of my closest teammates made it even more special. The feeling of knowing all the work we put in throughout the season paid off is something I will never forget."

Beyond the classroom and the track, Dhanoa leads efforts in recruiting, fundraising and spreading awareness in support of Special Olympic athletes across Canada through motionball. 

"I work with motionball at the university to promote inclusion through sport, organizing events that bring students together for a great cause," Dhanoa explained. He's building connections and making tangible impacts on participants lives.
 
(Dhanoa overlooking the City of Toronto and Varsity Stadium | Barry McCluskey)
 
When asked about why he chose U of T, Dhanoa highlighted stepping out of his comfort zone.

"Moving to the biggest city in the country and studying at one of the top universities was definitely a big change, but it has been so rewarding. I knew that if I worked hard and took advantage of everything U of T offered, it would open a lot of doors," he said. "I am so glad I made that choice because I have grown so much as both a student and a person, and now I am doing research, something I once could only dream about."

After graduation, Dhanoa wants to go to law school and build off of what he's learned as an athlete and KPE student with the goal of becoming a sports agent. "Studying kinesiology has given me a better understanding of what athletes go through physically and mentally, and I think that'll help me represent them in a real way."

"I want to be someone who can stand up for athletes and help them reach their goals, both in and out of sport," said Dhanoa. "I want to stay connected to the athletic world that's shaped so much of who I am, just now from a different angle, helping others succeed at the highest level."
 
 
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