Personal Background

Name: Olivia Li
Date of Birth: October 30, 2003
Height: 5’28” (161 CM)
Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
City of birth: Fujian, Fuzhou, China
Residence: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Language(s) spoken: English, Mandarin

Sport-related Background

National team member status: 2020/2021
Head coach: Joshua Riker-Fox, Darragh O’Malley
Swim coach: Joshua Riker-Fox, Darragh O’Malley
Run coach: Joshua Riker-Fox, Darragh O’Malley
Riding coach: Jen Laye, Joshua Riker-Fox
Fencing coach: Darragh O’Malley

Interview Questions

Why you love the sport of pentathlon?
I love the multisport challenge. I think I would have gotten bored of training in one sport only.
When you got involved in pentathlon and why?
I started Pentathlon in 2018 after being introduced to the sport by a friend. The horseback riding event drew me to the sport because growing up I loved everything horse-related.
How often do you train (per week or month)?
I train 24 hours a week.
Of the five sports of pentathlon (fencing, swimming, equestrian, shooting and running), which do you consider your best?
Currently, I would say shooting is my best sport.
What are your hobbies?
I love to read, learn languages and volunteer.
Do you participate in other sports?
No. Five is enough for me.
Are there any other athletes in your family?
My two younger brothers are a pentathlete and a water polo player.
Education?
I just graduated high school and will be pursuing a Bachelor of Science majoring in Neuroscience at the University of Calgary.
What career would you like to pursue or are you currently pursuing?
I am considering going to medical school.
Languages?
I also speak Mandarin and am currently trying to learn Spanish.
Future goals (in sport & or work)?
My goal is to compete at the 2023 Senior Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.
What is the greatest challenge you have faced?
In sport, my greatest challenge was getting over my swimming anxiety.
In the moments when I doubt that I want to continue, how do I motivate myself?
I remind myself to trust the process and to focus on improving step-by-step.
How has being an athlete benefited you (positive effects in your life that you would not have had otherwise)?
Being a pentathlete has taught me to be resilient and diligent in the face of challenges. The athlete mindset extrapolates to other areas of my life, giving me the tools to face failure but also the drive to succeed.

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