Mitch

Burloak Athlete Spotlight

Athlete:  Mitch

Program:  High Performance Sprint, kayak

When did you start paddling at Burloak?
Eleven years ago.

How did you hear about BCC?
My mom, being a high school teacher, had students that were paddlers and thought that I might enjoy it!

What were your first impressions of the club and the sport?
It was different. None of my friends paddled so it was completely new. I also couldn’t believe how hard it was to balance a boat!

What were your first years in the sport like? Did you have any specific struggles?
I started when I was 13 which was a bit later than some so it was a bit tough to catch up to the people that had been paddling since they were 8.

What is your training schedule like?
I train a standard 6 days a week for the sport; 10-12 paddles a week, 3 weights sessions, and 3 runs.

What is it about the sport of paddling that inspires you?
Spending time outside is one of my favourite pastimes so paddling works great with that! I also really like pushing myself physically, feeling exhausted, being sore the next day etc., and paddling checks those boxes no doubt.

What is the hardest part of the sport for you, and how do you overcome it?
For a long time, the hardest part of training was balancing a training schedule with jobs, school, other sports and a social life. I overcame it by really managing my time well and being efficient with everything I do.

What is your favourite event?
This is a tough one but I think I’d have to say War Canoe 500m. So much pain haha.

Do you remember what event you won your first medal for?
I think it was a bronze medal for Bantam Men’s War Canoe at the 2011 Trillium Regatta.

What inspired you to set your sights on the Olympics?
Trying to qualify for the Olympics is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I realized that it was kind of a now or never thing. Grad school and jobs can wait; it doesn’t make a difference if you do it at 23 or 26. Whereas being a high-performance athlete is time-sensitive and certain opportunities only last so long.

You recently participated in Olympic team selection. How did you prepare for the event, and how do you feel about your performance?
Going into Olympic trials was different than any other competition I’ve done before. Especially since I was living and training with my competitors. Tensions were high; a lot of people had invested tons of time and money into this goal. Everyone has their strategies to cope with stress, personally I always focus on having fun, at the end of the day that’s why I’m here and that’s why I paddle—because I enjoy it!

I was really happy with my performance. I had never been to a NTTs #1* before and the last NTTs I had participated in I didn’t even make a final. My performance proved to my coaches, peers and myself that I am capable of achieving great results.

*National Team Trials (NTT #1 selects competition crews)

How does it feel to compete as one of the best, with the best, in the country? Does it intimidate you or motivate you?
To be honest I don’t often think about that too much. My coach keeps me quite humble haha. When I’m out training with my group I just think of them as friends and training partners. Recently with some of my training partners being nominated to the Olympic team, it does feel kind of surreal that people that I know closely will be Olympians. It definitely motivates me, if I can keep up with these soon-to-be Olympians during 70"/20"s (a classic workout) maybe it’ll be my turn soon.

Do you have some favourite memories that stand out?
Making the Burloak Senior Men’s War Canoe for the first time, winning U19 War Canoe, and Canada Games.

What has the Burloak Canoe Club and program meant for you?
Starting my paddling career at a canoe club with multiple Olympians set the stage for excellence. Right in front of me I could watch the best of the best and see what was needed to be done to reach that level. Most importantly, Burloak provided a venue for me to meet some of my best friends and form lifelong relationships <3.

How do your coaches inspire and support you?
I’ve been lucky to have multiple coaches help me reach my goals. I’ve certainly taken an unconventional route when it comes to paddling and luckily many of my coaches have been very accommodating of the path I wanted to take.

What has your experience been as a paddler and member of the LGBTQ2S+ community?
Overall I would say it has been a positive experience. It gets easier with time but I still have those moments where I get anxious. I’m lucky that my sexuality hasn’t pushed me out of sport and that for the most part I am accepted by my peers.

How can each of us contribute to creating a safer, more inclusive space in sport for members of the LGBTQ2S+ community?
The list is endless. Educate yourself, listen, speak up for others, call people out, be empathetic and be patient.

If you could give your younger self, and all the younger queer canoe kayak athletes out there some advice, what would it be?
I know it’s scary but just be yourself. People will love you, praise you and be inspired by you. I know you think that people will make fun of you but in reality those who choose to bully you will be the ones left out, not you. When you do a Marilyn Monroe impression, sing Believe by Cher wearing bright red nail polish in front of the entire national team, no one will be making fun of you, actually, they’ll be wishing they had the confidence to do what you do. By being yourself you will inspire more people than you even know <3.