When did you start pentathlon and why?
I started Modern Pentathlon through Pony Club. Having grown up obsessed with anything medieval, the chance to partake in swords and horses was also a big draw. I was introduced to the sport through tetrathlon and through Colin and Anne Peace, important figures in both the Pentathlon and Pony Club communities.
What do you love about pentathlon?
Modern Pentathlon offers a wealth of physical and social opportunities. It presents a range of physical and mental challenges as a multi-sport. Rarely will two events or training days ever pose the same challenges of you.
Training 5 sports requires demanded networking to see success. I have been privileged to get to develop friendships in the running, swimming, fencing, equestrian, shooting and triathlon communities in addition to within the pentathlon community. These have supported me and kept me engaged in the sport.
What is your training schedule?
I typically train 15-20 hours a week while working.
What do you consider your strongest pentathlon discipline?
Having been in the saddle from a very young age, riding continues to be where I’m most at home. I’m thankful for the diversity in riding experiences Pentathlon has given me, having let me ride horses across 3 continents.
What are your hobbies?
I dabble as a full athlete in the sub-sports, running local 5km races, swimming in masters meets and such. In addition I relax building model kits, playing video games and with my pets.
Do you participate in other sports?
Kayaking and cross-country skiing take me outdoors to appreciate nature and spend time with family and friends.
Are there any other athletes in your family?
My father formerly competed internationally in eventing and introduced me to horseback riding. He adopted pentathlon as a sport with me. My younger sister dabbled in the sport before committing to swimming as her sport of choice.
Education?
I have a Master’s Degree in Spatial Analysis from Toronto Metropolitan University. My undergraduate degree is in Environmental Studies and Geography from Bishop’s University.
What career would you like to pursue or are you currently pursuing?
I work as a Spatial Analyst, using geography and remote sensing in relation to watershed management and fisheries.
Languages?
English, French
Future goals (in sport & or work)?
In sport, I look to continue to compete, setting a role-model as I also work to raise the next generation of Canadian Pentathletes. For work, I look to continue helping to better understand and address environmental issues.
What is the greatest challenge you have faced?
The pandemic redefined life for over a year. During that time, I had to reflect on what it meant to be an athlete and student. The nature of studying, training, and living was drastically altered for that period. I believe I came out stronger, completing my Master’s degree and continuing my athletic endeavors.
What is one of your favourite experiences or memories in your pentathlon career thus far?
In 2018 I set a personal swim record that was 7 years in the making. I had strived for that time, and when the payoff finally happened, it was very emotional. To this day, the passion and work that drove me to reach that goal can still get me emotional reflecting on the experience.
How has being an athlete benefited you (positive effects in your life that you would not have had otherwise)?
I believe that being an athlete has helped me to become as well rounded as an individual as I have become as an athlete.
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