Bettauer balances teaching, broadcasting and coaching while celebrating his 10th Canadian title<\/p>\n
Robert Bettauer has spent his life in sport, but there\u2019s still a special thrill in hearing his name called as a national champion.<\/p>\n
The Oak Bay resident and CEO of the Pacific Institute for Sport Education (PISE)\u00a0returned from the 2025 Steve Stevens Masters Championship in Vancouver\u00a0with his 10th Canadian title, winning the 65-plus men\u2019s singles.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was very satisfying,\u201d Bettauer said. \u201cI\u2019m 69, so it was my last year in the division, which always makes it tougher because you\u2019ve got younger players coming in. That made it particularly special.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bettauer has been here before.<\/p>\n
His long career has brought national success at multiple levels, from juniors to the open circuit, and now at the masters stage.<\/p>\n
This summer, he added a fourth straight provincial title before heading to Vancouver.<\/p>\n
The nationals, played Aug. 24 to 30 at the Vancouver Lawn Tennis and Badminton Club, drew 573 competitors from across the country, ranging in age from 30 to 80.<\/p>\n
The 65-plus men\u2019s division was the largest, with 35 players in the draw.<\/p>\n
\u201cI knew I would be competitive, but I never take anyone for granted,\u201d he said. \u201cOne of my strengths is discipline. I prepare the same way for every match. That mindset has served me well for a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n
The preparation paid off.<\/p>\n
Over six days, Bettauer played nine matches in singles and doubles, winning the singles crown and teaming with fellow Victoria-product,\u00a0David Fairbotham to reach the doubles final.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve always played singles and doubles equally, and I think that\u2019s part of my longevity,\u201d Bettauer said. \u201cSingles is mind-body chess, while doubles I call target practice with a partner. I love both sides of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The win also secured Bettauer a\u00a0spot on Canada\u2019s roster for the World Masters Team Championships next March in Turkey.<\/p>\n
He has represented Canada before, most recently in Majorca, Spain, where his team placed in the top eight in the world.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year was probably the best I\u2019ve ever felt physically at nationals,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve been dealing with a bit of an injury, but by the time the tournament came I felt strong. Playing nine matches in six days at my age and coming out of it feeling good is very satisfying.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bettauer first picked up a racket at age 10 after his family immigrated from Berlin, Germany to North Vancouver.<\/p>\n
Sport, he said, was how he learned language, culture and community. It\u2019s also been the foundation of his professional life, first as a national athlete and Olympic coach, then as a tennis broadcaster, teacher, and now CEO of PISE.<\/p>\n
\u201cI owe everything to sport, my health, my career, my family, the quality of life I enjoy,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd now, at PISE, I get to help transform lives through sport and physical activity. That\u2019s the most rewarding part.\u201d<\/p>\n