Name: Jessie MacDonald
CAN Fund Recipient Since: 2010
Sport: Wrestling
Best Result:
2012 World Champion
Hometown: St. Catharine’s, ON
Nickname: Jessie
Horoscope Sign: Sagittarius
On The National Team Since: 2008
How does being a CAN Fund Recipient make a difference for you?
Being a CAN Fund recipient makes a difference in my performance as it allows me to remain focused on my training and it provides me the opportunity to receive proper treatment, nutrition and training sessions. I would not be able to achieve my dreams without the generous support from CAN Fund.
When was the moment you knew you wanted to represent Canada?
The moment I knew I wanted to represent Canada was during the summer of 1996. I was at my Uncle’s house watching Donovan Bailey run the 100m race at the Olympic Games in Atlanta. Donovan Bailey won the gold medal for Canada and it was at that moment that my Olympic dream began.
Who is your hero and why?
My hero is my best friend, husband and coach, Evan MacDonald. He is a 2004 Olympian and throughout my journey he has demonstrated and taught me how to dream big, be relentless, be positive, believe in myself and most importantly never ever show weakness or give up.
What is your proudest moment?
My proudest moment was winning Gold at the 2012 World Championships. It was on Canadian soil and I felt so lucky to be in my home country with my family standing by. My husband, Dad, Mom and sister all got to share in my victory and I was so proud of everything they had accomplished and sacrificed to get me atop of the podium.
What is a healthy snack you eat before or after training sessions?
Before each mat session I love to snack on a banana with raw almond butter.
What is in your refrigerator right now?
Luckily I just went grocery shopping. ☺ I have… Grapefruit, blueberries, almond milk, chicken, cabbage, carrots, broccoli, eggs, hummus and nan bread.
What are your words to live by or your motto?
My family motto is “It’s a great life, if you don’t weaken”. I take this motto to heart. My Dad has been telling me that motto since I was a little girl and no matter what life throws at me I know I must pursue, show no fear and be relentless to achieve greatness.
What advice would you give to young kids or teenagers about following their dreams?
To be happy in life you need to have dreams and you need to stay true to those dreams. You must care more, risk more, dream more and expect more than others think is reasonable. Fears are only illusions that we create in our minds, so we have no boundaries or limitations standing in the way of our dreams.
What are you favourite places in the world you have visited?
Rio, Brazil. It was the first place I competed internationally and my dream is to compete there once again in 2016 at the Olympic Games. I also love the beautiful sunshine and beaches!
What three items do you take with you on every road trip?
On road trips I always bring my cell phone to stay in contact with husband when he can’t be there, my journal and my special charm necklace.
If you could sing one song on Canadian Idol what would it be?
Oh Canada. To show my pride and love for the country that has given me so many opportunities. I am so lucky to be Canadian and to live in such a wonderful place.
What are your hobbies?
I love to wrestle, run, lift weights and do hot yoga!
What is the most played song on your ipod?
Roar by Katy Perry
Who is your favourite athlete?
Michael Jordan because he chose to never give up!
Twitter: jessienevanmac@yahoo.ca
