When did you start pentathlon and why?
I started training for Pentathlon in the fall of 2021. I have been an equestrian my entire life but had given up riding for several years because of the injury risk it posed to my track and field career. During the Covid-19 pandemic there were no track races so I decided to start riding again for fun and my passion for the horse-world was reignited.
That’s when I started thinking about competing in a sport that allowed me to run and ride, and I remembered when back in 2012 my riding coach (Pentathlon Canada Olympic Riding Coach Rick Maynard) suggested I try pentathlon. I reached out to him and said: “Hey, I know it has been almost 10 years, but I would like to learn more about this sport, what do you suggest I do?” Luckily he replied right away and put my in-touch with my now Head Coach (Vitaliy Budovskiy), who has been working with me ever since.
I decided to give pentathlon a go now because I want to challenge myself and see what I am capable of, and I have never done something so far out of my comfort zone, or so rewarding. I had reached a point in my track career where I was working so hard but not improving, and pentathlon has given me so many ways to improve and see progress which has been really exciting.
What do you love about pentathlon?
The variety! I love how there is always a skill to improve and work on, and that if something doesn’t go according to plan you have other disciplines you can make it up in. I also really enjoy the mental aspect of pentathlon – having a growth mindset and focusing on your attitude during competition and training can make a huge difference on your performance.
What is your training schedule?
I train six days a week and always take one day completely off as a recovery day. Right now I do two intense running workouts a week, three easy runs, four swims, two strength/gym days, one jumping lesson, four fencing sessions (which include private lessons and group bouting), and I aim to shoot five days a week (at least one combined with a hard running workout on the track). I also see a massage and physiotherapist a couple times a month to make sure I am staying on top of injury prevention.
What do you consider your strongest pentathlon discipline?
I would have to say the run. My 800m personal best is 2:03.21 and I previously competed for Team Canada at the World Junior Track and Field Championships, and I was an NAIA National Champion when I competed as a varsity athlete at UBC.
What are your hobbies?
I love reading and in the past few years I have embraced my “inner grandma” and really enjoy cross stitching and embroidery.
Do you participate in other sports?
Training for pentathlon takes up most of my time right now, but I grew up playing soccer and would like to get back into that at some point.
Are there any other athletes in your family?
My mom ran collegiately for the University of Alberta and competed at a national level in cross country and track and field and my dad was an avid skier.
Education?
I have a Bachelor of Commerce with a specialization in finance from the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia (2011-2016).
What career would you like to pursue or are you currently pursuing?
I’ve worked for a couple start-ups, a professional sports team (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), and a social enterprise.
Languages?
English.
Future goals (in sport & or work)?
It is my goal to qualify for the Pan American Games in 2023 and fight for a spot to compete at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
What is the greatest challenge you’ve faced?
When I was 13 my dad passed away from cancer. Involvement in sport really helped me navigate this sad time and gave me purpose and a network of friends/teammates to support me.
What is one of your favourite experiences or memories in your pentathlon career thus far?
Competing at the Pan American Championships in Brazil in Fall 2022.
How has being an athlete benefited you (positive effects in your life that you would not have had otherwise)?
Sport has taught me so much about building resilience and community. The most important people in my life have almost all come from sport – teammates, coaches, competitors – they all make the journey more rewarding and more fun.
It has also given me the confidence to believe in myself and follow my passions, no matter how crazy they might seem.
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