As our Canadian athletes shoot for gold at the Winter Olympics in Pyeongyang, it is hard work and determination that has helped to get them there.
Coaches play a big role in the journey.
Melanie Melanson is Head Coach of the Codiac Vikings Aquatic Club, and she trains many aspiring athletes. She has never told an athlete an Olympic goal is unreasonable, “But as coaches, it is our job to have a conversation with the kids, so they understand what it is going to take to achieve that goal. Then it is in their court. I think the biggest thing is not necessarily whether they achieve the goal or not, it’s what they learn in the process.”
She says it really is a win-win, whether they make it or not.
“If they do want to go after it, and if they make it to the Olympic trials, but don’t make it to the Olympics, it’s amazing the lessons they will have learned, and how that will translate into their lives afterwards and going forward. It’s always a worthwhile goal and experience to have. I would never tell a child that it is not an acceptable dream,” Melanson says.
But Melanson says if an athlete has a goal of going to the Olympics, they really have to love the sport, “It needs to be a part of who you are as you go through. As you get older, the training process gets very intense, if that is the level you would like to compete at. You will not be capable of training at the level needed if you don’t absolutely love it.”
(Coach photo courtesy of Codiac Vikings Aquatic Club)
