Name: Jamie Broder
CAN Fund Recipient Since: 2014
Sport: Beach Volleyball
Best Result:
1st at a 2015 World Tour Tournament
Hometown: Victoria, BC
Nickname: J-Bro
Horoscope Sign: Gemini
On The National Team Since: 2009
How does being a CAN Fund Recipient make a difference for you?
Being a CAN Fund recipient makes a HUGE impact on me as an athlete who is struggling to support a full-time season on the World Tour. It makes it possible for me to attend more FIVB events in a season, increasing my chance of qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games.
When was the moment you knew you wanted to represent Canada?
The first time I watched the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympic Games on TV and saw the parade of Canadian Athletes walking around the stadium. I didn’t know what sport I would pursue at the time, but I knew I wanted to be there.
How did you get involved in your sport?
I always played beach volleyball in the summer months when I wasn’t playing indoor volleyball during high school. I immediately fell in love with the sport because I found it so challenging both physically and mentally. There are so many aspects to the game that I can still improve on every day, which keeps me working hard and staying focused because it never gets easy.
What does sport mean to you?
Sport means everything to me. Not only have I had the opportunity to travel around the world experiencing different cultures, but it has also taught me many life lessons along the way. I have become more self-aware, resilient and determined than ever before.
Do you have any pre-competition superstitions or routines?
On match day I always wake up at least 3 hours before game time and do some type of activation (yoga, stretching, pepper) before heading to breakfast. This is key for me to get in tune with how my body and muscles are working that day so I can properly tailor my warm up.
What is a healthy snack you eat before or after training sessions?
I always bring a shaker cup with a mix of vega products (recovery accelerator and protein powder) that I can drink on the way home from practice while I am stuck in traffic!
What do you value most in your friends?
Their sense of adventure, their kind and loving souls and the wisdom that they pass along when I need it ☺
What advice would you give to young kids or teenagers about following their dreams?
Believe in yourself, don’t let anyone tell you your dream is too big and work harder than everyone else.
If you weren’t a Canadian athlete you would be?
Coaching Canadian Athletes!
What are you favourite places in the world you have visited?
The mountains in Switzerland, beaches in Thailand and the restaurants in Italy!
What three items do you take with you on every road trip?
My travel roller, compression socks for the flight and my laptop.
What are your hobbies?
Cooking, Hiking, Running and Snowboarding
What is your favourite quote?
“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog” – Unknown.
What is your favourite movie?
Turner and Hooch
What is your favourite tv series?
Seinfeld
Twitter: @jamiebroder
Website: www.jamiebroder.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/BroderValjas
Instagram: @brodes6
