Tantallon woman to compete against world’s top young chefs at culinary ‘Olympics’ [Video]

When Olivia Sewell started culinary school in 2021, she knew very little about cooking. She also didn’t know how to properly hold a knife.

But after only a few weeks in the culinary program at the Nova Scotia Community College, Sewell’s instructors knew her demeanour and determination would take her far in the industry. And it has.

The 22-year-old from Tantallon, N.S., who graduated last year, is headed to the WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France, this week. 

She will be representing Canada in the culinary category, going against the top young chefs from 48 countries.

“I can’t believe I made it this far,” Sewell told CBC Radio’s Mainstreet Halifax in a recent interview.

The WorldSkills Competition is considered the Olympics of the trades industry, she said. It invites 1,500 competitors to participate in more than 60 skill areas for “the prestigious title of world champion in their respective trade.”