I always thought that I would be back in my red and white boat vying for a spot on the Canadian National team looking to represent Canada and show the world what this Saskatchewan girl could do. But over the last 12 months my priorities, dreams and desires have changed. I never really thought about this day, but I am retiring from competitive sport and lucky for me it is on my terms.
This province and the Wascana Racing Canoe Club may not have seemed like the optimal place to paddle but for me it was the perfect place to paddle. Since the age of 9 that smelly lake held a piece of my heart and will always be one of my happy places.
I was a little girl with a big dream and with the support of my parents, siblings, family, coaches, friends and the community my dreams became a goal and began to become reality.
I don't know where I would be without my parents. With every step I took they quietly and gently supported me. They allowed me to follow whichever path I thought best and were there to help me learn my lessons. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity they provided me. I know that life was not easy. Early mornings, late nights, lots of $$, and constant hello/goodbyes. But, I am who I am because they gave me the opportunity to follow my dreams and spread my wings.
Having an older sister who spent countless hours down at the local lake meant that my siblings also got to do the same thing. I want to thank my siblings for their support, known and unknown. It was always inspiring to see them smiling and waving at me from the sidelines. It was a wonderful distraction from the stresses of racing to try and find them cool gifts, when away, and they were always there, waiting at the bottom of the airport stairs with smiles and open arms ... No matter my results.
Devon, was there every step of the way. Learning the hard lessons with me, supporting me and helping to chase down what sometimes felt like the impossible. I know long distance relationships aren't high on anyone's list of things to do but he did it and never complained(at least not to me).
Where would an athlete be without coaches and the organizations that support our athletes. WRCC, CKS, SaskSport, CKC all believed in me and my goals. Each in their own way were an integral part of my growth as an athlete. I would like to thank Dave Robertson for all his reading, ingenuity and patience while coaching me. I know that I am moody and I can be stubborn ... The makings of someone very "easy" to work with some days. I appreciate all your efforts and that you believed I could find international success before I believed it.
And last but not least I would like to thank my team mates and competitors, often they were one and the same. I have gained some of the best friends a girl could ask for and without you would have been lost.
I don't know what the future holds. Where the wind will take me next or what adventure is in store but I am excited for the journey because if it is anything like this last one I am in for something special.
