Name: Liz Gleadle
CAN Fund Recipient Since: 2015
Sport: Athletics (Javelin)
Best Result:
Ranked 10th internationally – 64.50m
2015 Pan Am Games Gold Medalist
2012 Olympian
Hometown: Vancouver, BC
Horoscope Sign: Sagittarius
On The National Team Since: 2005
How does being a CAN Fund Recipient make a difference for you?
Two years ago I hurt my back throwing but was fortunate enough to find a great team of physiotherapists that got me back to full health, and to my best season ever. I train in Lethbridge, Alberta and travel to Vancouver once a month to continue my treatments. Being a CAN Fund Recipient helps me with travel costs to get the treatment I need to keep me healthy for my podium goals!
When was the moment you knew you wanted to represent Canada?
When I decided to move to a throws center based in Lethbridge in 2011. I knew that if I wanted to make the Olympic team it was going to take a larger commitment and a top coach. Within a week, I had decided, packed and made the move.
What is your proudest moment?
Making the Olympic Final in 2012. I was one of the athletes that had a chance of making it but only if I threw well. I left nothing to chance in the couple months leading up to my competition day and I’m proud of the way I prepared to succeed.
What is one thing you have had to overcome and how did you do so?
In early 2013, I hurt my back throwing javelin. Every time I threw, I would momentarily black out from the pain. I was fortunate enough to find a physiotherapist that figured out how to treat me but it took re-learning very basic movements and a complete halt in my training. I had to relearn how to walk, lift my arms, squat… the works. As a power/speed athlete, I used to lift and throw 9 times a week. My rehab to get back to throwing took a year and to get back to a full training program it took another 10 months. It was torture to not be able to train but the process taught me patience and made me hungry to succeed.
What does sport mean to you?
It’s an opportunity to be my best self and a canvas to display my dedication and tenacity.
Do you have any pre-competition superstitions or routines?
Blast music… there’s definitely some dancing going on when I’m getting ready.
Do you have a favourite recipe, what is it?
Boeuf Bourgignon – my mom’s recipe. Amazing comfort food for sure.
What is in your refrigerator right now?
Eggs, egg whites, a ridiculous amount of chicken, quinoa, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, a dozen lemons (I like hot water and lemon with honey), happy planet extreme green smoothie, egg rolls that my neighbor’s mom cooked.
What are your words to live by or your motto?
Keep your feet on the ground and yours eyes on the stars.
What is the greatest advice a coach has ever given you?
“Throw further.” No kidding. It worked.
What advice would you give to young kids or teenagers about following their dreams?
Actively practice. Whether you’re strumming a guitar or practicing dribbling, don’t just go through the motions. Think about it. Every time you practice it is an opportunity to hone your skills and get one step closer to being the best.
If you weren’t a Canadian athlete you would be…?
In business school, getting better at snowboarding, taking a dance class and going to more concerts.
What is your favourite thing about being on the road with your teammates?
Starting out as strangers and ending up great friends. And then picking up right where you left off the next year ☺
What are you favourite places in the world you have visited?
Hong Kong: Amazing, beautiful city, really interesting infrastructure.
Austin, Texas: great people, food, music and I love the weather.
If you could sing one song on Canadian Idol what would it be?
You and I by Lady Gaga
What are your hobbies?
Read, cook, watch movies, listen to music and search for new artists, dance and sing when there’s no one home to see or hear me.
What is the most played song on your ipod?
Birthday by Katy Perry. I went through a weird obsession for a few days and had it on repeat.
What is your favourite movie?
Lucky Number Slevin, Inception, Emperor’s New Groove and The Dark Knight
What is your favourite book?
The Neverending Story
What is your favourite tv series?
House of Cards, Archer, Grey’s Anatomy and Modern Family.
Twitter: @lgjavelin
Website: www.lizgleadle.com
Instagram: @lgjavelin
