More than a competition – Kelsey Serwa offers up advice that took her to the podium
As B.C. makes its final preparations before sending 248 of its top athletes to Prince George to represent the province in its first-ever home Canada Winter Games, Olympian and Team BC ambassador Kelsey Serwa has some advice for the athletes in blue and gold.
“Of course the competition is important and doing everything you can to prepare to do your best is something the athletes will be focused on,” said Serwa. “But it’s also about something bigger. As a part of Team BC it’s a really great opportunity to watch other athletes compete, cheer them on, and be proud to be representing our province.”
Serwa attended the Canada Winter Games in 2007 in Whitehorse. She won a gold in the giant slalom event and met a core group of athletes who would continue along the sport development process all the way to the Olympics.
“When I went to the Canada Winter Games my goal was to ski fast and I came away with a medal. But more than that, I had a really great experience. I encourage all of the athletes to make the most of it. Stay focused on what you need to do but find some balance – watch the other sports and have fun.”
Serwa went on to win a silver medal for Canada at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. She is also a world champion, X-Games gold medalist, national champion and a two-time South American champion.
“Skiing is an individual sport but at the Canada Winter Games I met so many teammates and competitors who have become lifelong friends. It’s a big step in the development process and we followed a similar path to national and eventually international events.”
Though still in the prime of her skiing career, Serwa has experienced every level of competition in ski cross. She started skiing at Big White and competed in the BC Winter Games at the age of 13. At 17 she earned a gold at the Canada Winter Games and the country watched with pride as she stood on the podium in Sochi. She understands firsthand the excitement the athletes on Team BC are feeling.
“I remember getting my Team BC gear and how much fun that is,” said Serwa. “The Canada Winter Games is a really big deal for amateur athletes. It’s actually not that different than an Olympic experience. Being part of a multi-sport event is really unique and I’m looking forward to being a part of the Games in Prince George.”
Serwa, who has been named Team BC’s honourary captain, will be at the Games to support, mentor and encourage Team BC. She will step away from her human kinetics studies at UBC Okanagan to travel to Prince George and make connections with athletes. She also hopes to take in some of the competition.
“I would love to watch a bit of the table tennis, it’s so much fun,” said Serwa. “Judo is really cool and I’d like to see some ringette. I’m hoping to get to lots of the events, and of course I’ll check out some of the skiing.”
Serwa’s own preparation for competition doesn’t include any unique rituals or superstitions. By the time she is ready to ski she relies on the hours of training she has put in and trusts in her own confidence.
“I start the day by getting my body ready – making sure I’m active and warm and when I get to the start gate there are no thoughts in my mind,” explained Serwa. “I have the confidence that I’ve put in the work and it’s all about execution. The one little thing I’ll do is tap my poles twice before I get into the gate. That’s my one ritual.”
If preparation is the key to success, Team BC is in good shape. The 248 athletes who have been named to the team are supported by a group of more than 100 coaches, manager and mission staff who are dedicated to making the Games as seamless as possible for the athletes.
“The support Team BC athletes receive is really special,” said Serwa. “The fact that we get to host this year is going to make it even better. The north is a beautiful part of the country and I feel really proud that we get to host these games and show our province off to the rest of Canada.”
The Canada Winter Games begin Feb. 13 in Prince George. Over the course of two weeks, more than 2,400 athletes from across Canada will participate in 19 different sports.
Photo Credit: Canadian Olympic Committee