Name: Nate Graywolf Riech
CAN Fund Recipient
Nickname: Natedawg,Dawg
Hometown: Victoria, BC
Sport: Para-Athletics
On the National Team Since (Year): 2018
Best Result: 2019 World Champion (1500m)
What are your words to live by or your motto?
“Failure is not a destination.” – Coach K and “Disability isn’t inability.” – Dr. O
What is the best part about representing Canada?
In simple terms, wearing the maple leaf across my chest is something I cherish. The moment that exemplifies this the most is standing on top of the podium with my fellow countryman (Liam Stanley) to my right as “Oh Canada” rang throughout the stadium.
What is the biggest hurdle you have overcome to get to where you are today?
My largest “hurdle” I’ve had to overcome is being paralyzed (2005), I had to relearn simple tasks that weren’t so simple anymore. In the moment there were many forms of adversity, which ranged from physical to physiological. As I look back on that time of my life, I realize that my accident is the best thing that has ever happened to me, it challenged me & I accepted the challenge, that is the mentality I bring to the track & anything else I do in life.
Who’s your hero? Why?
I have two heroes: The first person I consider a hero is my mother, Ardin Tucker. She’s the definition of high character & strength, in fact she’s the strongest person I’ve ever known. In so many ways, she’s the reason why I’m in the spot I am today. In addition to her character, my mother competed for Canada on the international stage. Her most notable accomplishment on the track was being Olympic trials champion in the pole-vault (2000).
And, my second person I consider a hero is my step father Ben Tucker. He has been a godsend throughout my life. Like my mother, he never let me settle, always pushing me to be my best self. If it wasn’t for Ben, I wouldn’t be the man I am today. These two are in my innermost circle & have been much more than just my parents. I consider Ben to be my father figure, but also my best friend.
Instagram: @Nategraywolf
Twitter: @NateGraywolf
Website or Blog: http://nategraywolfriech.blog/
