Canadian Olympic Athlete Interiew: Jenna Martin-Evans

For those of you who don't know Jenna Martin-Evans, you should. Jenna is a native of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. In 2016 she is going to be a two time Canadian Olympic athlete for team Canada. As Jenna prepares for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil, she is seeking sponsorship and people to help her share this journey together. Recently I was able to connect with her to ask her about how she has become such a strong athlete as a track and field runner to be able to run at the highest level. Here is what she had to say:

1. What originally got you interested in track and field?

What originally got me interested in track and field was that it was different from any of the other sport I played. I love team sports, but this was a sport that I could isolate myself with and there's no greater feeling then crossing the line in first. I naturally had a gift that drew me closer to it and when I met my soon to be long-term coach and mentor, Charles Scarrow, it was the beginning of a great venture in which the term "the sky is the limit" became real. 

2. Out of all of your experiences, which race stands out the most and why?

It would have to be 2012 Olympic trials in Calgary. It was the 400m final and my last chance/last race to qualify for the Olympic games in London. The night before the 400m final I was up until 3-4:00 a.m. with a fever and the sweats, and the whole morning and afternoon I just could not shake the sickness, even my warm-up was off. But something within me was at peace-I knew it was going to be a good day. Standing behind my blocks waiting for the "On Your Mark" command, an even bigger switch turned my mind, I remember the feeling to this day and I whispered to myself, "I got this". I knew the peace that I felt was the Lord reassuring me that he was with me, and he carried me home to finish in 51.53 seconds to qualify for the Olympic Games. 

3. Which race was your hardest race and why?

Honestly cant think of the hardest race, I have certainly had many many races I was not pleased with and questioned myself and my ability. However, that is part of the sport and that is part of anyones life and job. There is going to be hard and challenging times but when you come out in victory it makes it all worth it. 

4. What are you most excited about with your training? Why?

I am excited that I am finally healthy. It has been a challenging past couple of years battling injuries and having most question why I am still racing and think my running days are over, but nothing is too hard to overcome with the grace of God.  As of now I am still progressing back into shape and hope to be back on top for outdoor season to compete at the Pan American Games in Toronto and World Championships in Beijing this summer. 

5. If you could give one piece of advise for aspiring athletes, what would it be?

NEVER give up. There has been so many times in my career where I wanted to stop because I didn't think I could get through an injury or something trying in my life. I was at a point in my life where I didn't even enjoy running anymore-I was border line depressed, but I still got up, thanked God, and kept rolling. You get through the battles and once you do, the other side is even sweeter!

6. What do you think is next for you as a leader and an athlete?

What's next is to continue working hard and smart towards my goals. Also, to continue to reach out to the youth who aspire great things, to hope I can somehow make a difference in one of their lives. It doesn't matter where or what we come from-we can achieve great things. 

I am excited to see Jenna run in Rio in 2016. Her authentic leadership is a true example of being a great role model for Canadian youth and children. She is an amazing person, an even better athlete and she has remained true to herself after all her years of running at the highest levels. Anything is possible with a lot of hard work and dedication and Jenna has proven this to be true! Feel free to contact Jenna to follow her journey to Rio @Mz_Can_eh_D_n

Ryan Fahey
Physical & Health Education Specialist
B.A Human Kinetics
CPTN Canada