Name: Samantha Sendel
CAN Fund Recipient Since: 2015
Sport: Trampoline
Best Result:
5th place in Individual trampoline at the 2013 World Championships
2nd place Synchronized trampoline at the 2014 World Championships
Hometown: Aurora, ON
Nickname: Sam, Supersam
Horoscope Sign: Libra
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 difference for me! The money I’ve received is being put towards my training, travel and competitive fees. Because of this funding I can now focus on my nutrition more. I can afford the proper nutritional supplements to help me reach the next level.
When was the moment you knew you wanted to represent Canada?
When I first walked into skyriders trampoline place to begin my recreational classes, there was a banner that read “Congrats Mathiew Turgeon and Karen Cockburn on your Olympic Bronze medals.” Every time I went into the gym and saw that banner I found it inspiring. I thought to myself one day I want to represent Canada and be that inspiring to someone else.
How did you get involved in your sport?
I started out in gymnastics and I always loved jumping on the trampoline the most. My parents saw trampoline in the Olympics in 2000 and asked me if I wanted to try some recreational classes. I tried out for the competitive program that year and the rest is history.
What does sport mean to you?
Sport means the world to me. It is so important and a great, fun way of staying healthy and inspiring others to do so as well. It takes you to a place nothing else can. No matter what you have going on in your life, good or bad, sport is a way of letting go and getting away from everything. It is a way of testing the limits of your body. I can’t imagine my life without sport and could not be where I am today without the support of organizations like CAN Fund.
Do you have any pre-competition superstitions or routines?
I like superman a lot. I like how even when faced with his biggest challenges he never backs down and gives it his all. I like him so much that I have a superman tattoo (which is where the supersam nickname has come from). Before every routine, I take a second to touch my tattoo and think WWSD, “what would superman do.” The answer is give it his all. And so it reminds me to give it my all on the trampoline and jump like it’s the last time I will ever jump again.
What is a healthy snack you eat before or after training sessions?
A protein shake is always a good go to pre or post workout snack.
What are your words to live by or your motto?
Feel the Fear and do it anyways!
What do you value most in your friends?
Their ongoing support and the fact that I can always turn to them when I need help or someone to talk to.
What advice would you give to young kids or teenagers about following their dreams?
Never give up! If you want it, go for it. And if people tell you that you can’t, use it as motivation to try harder.
If you weren’t a Canadian athlete you would be…?
A cirque du soleil cast member.
What is your favourite thing about being on the road with your teammates?
Having great people to share new and lasting memories with. It’s not about the destination, it’s about the road along the way.
What are you favourite places in the world you have visited?
New Zealand and Hawaii for sure.
What three items do you take with you on every road trip?
My superman necklace, my music and my camera
What are your hobbies?
Playing outside (mostly with a rugby ball), hanging out with friends and watching movies.
What is your favourite book?
Harry Potter
What is your favourite sports team?
Canadian Rugby Team
What is your favourite song or band/musician?
Superman by Five for Fighting
Twitter: @SamSendel
Instagram: samanthasendel
