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North Vancouver, BC
How did you discover your talent? What got you started?
I discovered my talent and passion for endurance sports at a young age. As a child, I played almost every sport you can think of. I loved working hard, having fun and moving my body. I started mountain biking when I was six years old, but I hated it. My dad would try to take me to our local trails and I would race him up, and then walk down the entire trail.
At the age of 13, I decided to give it another shot. I joined my local bike team and my highschool bike team, and I got to try racing. I love pushing myself mentally and physically, and bike racing lets me do that. When I’m racing, my mind clears and I get to be 100% present. It’s magical. Now, I race cross country, enduro and cyclocross, and then I also do some xc-ski racing in the winter.
There is just something so satisfying about progressing on a mountain bike. There are endless features to conquer, and always something new to learn!
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a kid I oscillated between wanting to be a veterinarian, and a professional athlete. I made a plan for how I was going to go to the olympics for 4 different sports (soccer/alpine skiing/xc skiing/running). It was pretty funny but also (just a little haha) unrealistic.
Who was your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration as a kid was Jessie Diggins, an American cross country skier who won gold at The Olympics. Her positivity and enthusiasm is incredibly inspiring and she works very hard to create a better world for female athletes.
What makes you keep innovating and pushing your skills to new heights? What’s the intrinsic driver or motivation?
I have always been a very driven person, and I love testing my boundaries. My favourite saying is “how will you know if you never try?” I like to live by it. I have to try chasing my goals. Even if I come up short, I can still be proud of myself for trying and find joy in the small successes. I am addicted to becoming the best version of myself. If it doesn’t work out, I analyze what could have gone better, and then I move on!
So far, what has been your favourite highlight of your career? An achievement? A specific moment?
My highlight of my career so far for xc would have to be a Canada Cup Short Track in Canmore. This was a special day for me because we don’t get to race short tracks very often, and it was my first Canada Cup podium. I pushed myself to my limit and had sooo much fun!
My highlight for enduro would have to be Nationals in Whistler in 2021. I was 2nd on the first stage, and feeling super strong and focused. On the fourth stage, I flatted and I dislocated my shoulder, so I needed to run. It would have been super easy to just pull out of the race, but I found the strength to fix the flat and persevere. I ended up 6th in the end, but I proved to myself that I am capable of more and can push through.
In regards to your career, where do you want to be in 5 or 10 years?
In 5 or 10 years I want to be a professional athlete who advocates for equality in sport. I want to represent Canada on the world stage at the Olympics. I would also like to have graduated from university with my undergrad.
(Photo credit: @blackbirdworks)
In terms of healthy habits, what are your thoughts on the current beverage options out there? (I.e. Energy Drinks, high sugar drinks etc)
I find that a lot of the beverage options out there have way too much sugar. They are great until the sugar-crash hits, and then I just feel more tired than before. As a high performance athlete, I have to be conscious about what fuel goes into my body.
How does Wize fit into your current lifestyle? And why do you choose Wize?
I’m a big hot tea drinker, so I love having a cup of Wize hot tea in the morning as a nice wakeup. I’m not a huge fan of super sugary drinks, so Wize Iced Teas are super refreshing when I need a midday pick me up!
What are the next projects coming down the pipeline?
I’ve always got lots on the go training-wise, and am hoping to do some photoshoots and video projects soon!
What’s your favourite flavour of Wize tea? When do you typically drink it?
My favourite flavour of Wize Tea is the Chocolate Dream hot tea and Lemon Iced Tea!
Thanks for the interview! Where can our audience find out more about you?
My instagram handle is @mtnmads , and you can usually find me at one of our local trail networks. Don’t hesitate to say Hi if you see me!
