Bridget Wang, a former gymnast and coach who struggled with mental health issues, has inspired a community-led initiative to support youth mental health programs. Wang, who spent over a decade involved in gymnastics and was pursuing dentistry at the University of Toronto, died by suicide at age 21 on December 5, 2017.

Wang’s passing left a deep impact on her teammates and coaches at the University of Toronto Gymnastics Club, a community program where she trained and coached. Barb Brophey, a gymnastics instructor at the club, recalled seeing Wang two weeks before her death and expressed regret that she was unaware of Wang’s struggles. “I wish I had, but I don’t know if I would have had the tools to have helped her,” Brophey said.

In response to their loss, Brophey and fellow athletes sought a way to honor Wang’s memory and support mental health awareness. They connected with Jack.org, a Toronto-based charity that provides mental health programs for young people, which organizes an annual cycling fundraiser each May. The group formed “Team Bridget” and began participating in the ride as a way to build community and raise funds.

Starting with 19 cyclists, the team has grown over the years, attracting as many as 52 riders. Since its inception, Team Bridget has collectively raised $345,000 to support mental health initiatives. Wang’s parents, Laura Tam and Tao Wang, expressed hope that the effort would help prevent future tragedies. “Bridget was beautiful inside and out from the moment she was born,” they wrote on the team’s fundraising website. “Our hope is that our combined energy can help to prevent even just one future tragedy.”

Brophey described the annual rides as a healing experience for the gymnastics community. While the memories can be initially difficult, she said the events ultimately bring joy and a sense of purpose. “After you get a little bit of the crying out of the way, it’s very joyful. It’s very powerful, and the least we do is raise the money,” she said.

The ongoing initiative led by former teammates underscores the continued need for awareness, support, and resources addressing mental health among young people across Canada.