My twin sister Sara and I were born in Calgary three months before our due date. At just over one pound each we got off to a bit of a rough start and doctors weren’t sure what the future would hold for us in terms of development, especially physically. Despite always being small for our age, we began to grow up as typical Canmore mountain kids with our parents, Steve and Monika, strapping us to downhill skis at the tender age of two and kindling our love for all sports in the outdoors. We tried just about every activity imaginable, from figure skiing, gymnastics and mountain biking to cross country skiing. Some sports clicked more than others, my lack of flexibility made gymnastics teachers cringe and the only thing that drew my attention seemed to be hanging and climbing on the uneven bars. Gymnastics clearly wasn’t my calling, but thankfully some other activities sparked some interest. Both my sister and I developed a liking for cross-country skiing early on through the Jackrabbits program at the Nordic Centre and ended up competing in the sport at a local and National level for many years. I found the sport of climbing by participating in a summer camp nine years ago at the Vision Climbing Gym in Canmore. I immediately fell in love with the unique challenge that climbing presented as well as the community that shapes the sport here in the Bow Valley. In my early teens I competed in both cross-country skiing and climbing, but about mid-way through high school, I decided to focus solely on competition climbing. Years later, I am now a member of the Canadian Open National Team and compete year-round at local, national and international events. I am also a full-time University student studying Biology and Psychology at the University of Victoria. Growing up in Canmore, I was lucky enough to be surrounded, mentored and supported by many of the world’s most talented athletes who also call Canmore home. Athletes such as Chandra Crawford, Sara Renner, Becky Scott, Sonnie Trotter and Will Gadd were and still are such positive and supportive role models to myself and other elite athletes as we try and reach our athletic goals. They have inspired me to strive for success in my mental and physical training as well as mentor inspire the next generation of young athletes in sport and life. Apart from mentors in the community, my parents have also been an integral part of my development and have shaped athlete and person I am today. They support me as I make my dreams a reality - competing at World Cups each season and supporting my studies at University. Over the years they have spent tireless hours volunteering, accompanying me to competitions and supporting my goals in any way they could. They even built a climbing wall in our backyard when we did not have a gym in Canmore to train at. I most definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without their incredible generosity and support. During this upcoming 2018 World Cup season I plan to compete at 11 World Cup events plus the World Championships in September 2018 with the overall goal to improve my world ranking. In order to attend all these events, I have decided to take the fall 2018 semester off of school to enable me to train full time as well as compete during the fall months; I couldn’t be more excited to embark on this international season of competition! Stay tuned! Becca's World Cup efforts are proudly supported by the Rocky Mountain Soap Company Women's Run
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Race Day is weeks away. I don't know about you, but I have been finding training in our Alberta weather a little taxing. Do you feel a little behind? Or worried about your race readiness? First of all, RELAX! Take a deep breath. Perhaps I can share a few tips to help you over the next month.
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July 2019
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