Meet Troy Dumais, Olympic Diver and Cat Person

The Olympics have begun! To honor the occasion, we've set ourselves to highlighting athletes who aren't so different from us in that they, too, find themselves catering to the needs of their furry friends!

Today, we meet Troy Dumais, an Olympic diver who has his sights on accomplishing what he could not in Beijing: winning a gold medal. Although Dumais is highly decorated in the water, he's also gained high favor in the eyes of his two cats. We had the chance to sit down with Troy as he prepared to compete in this year's Games, discussing what life outside of the Olympic spotlight is like with his furry friends.

1. What kind of pets do you have?

I have two cats, a silver tabby and a Siamese.

2. Tell us one of your fondest memories of your pets:

When I first got the Siamese cat, I knew it was the one for me, it squeaked every time I picked him up. He didn’t do it for anyone else. So I named him Squeak!! Tiger is the silver tabby and one day he ran out of the door and I didn’t know it for 3 hours looking for him around my house. It wasn’t till I heard him meowing at my door and laying down awaiting me to open the front door. He’s always been the mischievous one but he’s always wondered what outside was and since this incident, I can leave all the doors open and he stays inside.

3. Tell us: Do you train with your pet?

Yes, I have trained both my cats to run before getting food, laps around the house until food is ready. The know how to sit and stand and lay on command and to jump up and get down from counters and furniture without speaking, just with a snap of my fingers.

4. Do you travel with your pet when you train or compete?

No, but I wish I did and could. It would bring home with me.

5. If your pet could compete in any Olympic sport, what would it be?

Tiger would be in high jump because he literally can climb up and jump up a 10 foot wall. Squeak would be in the 100 meter dash because anytime he hears or sees something he doesn’t like he’s gone within a second.