Name: Scott Morgan
CAN Fund Recipient Since: 2015
Sport: Men’s Artistic Gymnastics
Best Result:
1st in the Rings & Vault at the 2014 Commonwealth Games
Hometown: North Vancouver, BC
Horoscope Sign: Gemini
On The National Team Since: 2011
How does being a CAN Fund Recipient make a difference for you?
CAN Fund gives me the resources I need to stay at my best. Last year, as we were preparing for the Commonwealth Games, at 6 weeks out I tore my abdomen at the Canadian Championships. The recovery time was unknown but I was forced to stop all leg training for 3 weeks followed by an intensive rehab, physio, nutrition and gym program in hopes of making the team. The amount of progress made through our strength and conditioning program as well as avid physio treatments was astonishing. I finished the Games with a bronze medal in the team event, an individual silver medal in the floor and individual gold in the rings and vault! Unfortunately these services came at a price and I was unable to continue with our plan post Commonwealth Games. Thankfully, CAN Fund has now given me the resources I need to get healthy, train harder and stay at my best.
Think of someone who has impacted your life. Share 3 words on who they are to you:
My Dad – Selfless, Strong, Support.
My dad has been there to support me through all my sport adventures, downfalls and life changing experiences. He’s given me the opportunity to experience so much. Whether it was hockey, skiing, baseball, golf, basketball, volleyball or gymnastics, my Dad has been there supporting my decisions and making my dreams become a reality. His selfless decisions and support motivate me to be my best and are the reason why I am where I am today.
What is the biggest hurdle you have overcome to get to where you are today?
After 10 years of tumbling and flipping, I made the choice to leave the sport of gymnastics at the age of 14. Then after a 4-year hiatus of jumping around from sport to sport I realized gymnastics was where I truly felt at home. So with some help from a close friend and my family, I made the choice to give gymnastics another go. Although, leaving competitive gymnastics and then just coming back simply does not happen in this sport. My coach and gym club were hesitant to take me back, constantly reminding me how far behind I was to my competitors. Even after coming back stronger, consistently reaching the podium and proving to my coaches and competitors I was worthy, national team coaches and staff still saw my position as a team member a risk. Consistency, persistence and the support of my team helped me overcome these obstacles and I feel thankful to those who took a chance with me.
When was the moment you knew you wanted to represent Canada?
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 – The Vancouver Olympic Games. During this time, I was unsure if I wanted to pursue gymnastics or my career. I was walking through the mall on my day off during the Games and saw a group of Russian athletes in full uniform, laughing and clearly having the time of their lives. It gave me the shivers. I knew in that moment I wanted to be that guy, across the globe, wearing my country’s colours and doing what I love.
What is the best part about representing Canada?
Being accepted with open arms, sharing my talent and passion with the world and knowing that I am a part of a team that is living their dream everyday as we compete for our country.
What are your words to live by or your motto?
Making a big life change is scary. But you know what’s even scarier? Regret. The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.
What do you value most in your friends?
Their understanding of my commitment and that they will always be there to support me.
Best advice you have received?
Don’t worry about the things you can’t control.
What is your favourite thing about being on the road with your teammates?
Knowing that we have eachothers back and we are all pushing for the same dream.
What are you favourite places in the world you have visited?
Ljubljana, Slovenia and Biedenkopf, Germany: Amazing cities and architecture, loads of history, kind people, totally different than home.
What are your hobbies?
Mountain Biking, Golf and Auto Mechanics
What is your favourite tv series?
The League and Big Bang Theory
What is the most played song on your ipod?
Only by Nicki Minaj
What is a healthy snack you eat before or after training sessions?
Chocolate, banana, peanut butter, and whey shake.
Plain Greek yogurt mixed with almond butter and vanilla and sliced apples
Twitter: scottmorgan_
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/scottmorgangym
Instagram: scottmorgan_
