Name: Zina Kocher
Sport: Biathlon
Hometown: Red Deer, AB
Nickname: Zee
Favourite Sports Memory: So many great memories, but top of the list are: stepping onto the podium after my 3rd place finish at a World Cup, and the entire atmosphere and energy from fellow Canadians at our home Vancouver Olympic Games 2010.
How you got involved in your sport: The ’98 Alberta Winter Games held in my hometown, Red Deer, was my first biathlon competition. This kicked off my interest in the sport and wanting to pursue it further.
The moment you knew you wanted to represent Canada: I loved everything about the Olympics as a young child and dreamed of being an Olympian, but I didn’t discover till I was in my mid teens which sport I was going to pursue to turn that dream into reality! It wasn’t until I made the World Junior team and attended my first World Junior Championships, that I fully realized I wanted to go to represent Canada at an Olympic Games, and aim to stand on that podium.
Favorite Quote:
“A person should have wings to carry them where their dreams go, but sometimes a pair of skis makes a good substitute.” ~ Hans Gmoser
And
“Never give up. A setback is a setup for a comeback.”
CAN Fund Testimonial: Making dreams become a reality is what CAN Fund does best. Thanks to the outstanding support from CAN Fund, I’ve been able to passionately pursue and focus on my sport and proudly represent Canada.
Best Result: 3rd World Cup Individual 15km Ostersund, SWE 2006/07
Share one valuable tool that you use on a daily basis that helps you to be the best athlete you can be: Sleep! Getting enough rest and recovery is so important for staying healthy while training and competing.
Who is one person in your life that has impacted your career and what was it that they taught you: My coach, Richard Boruta for believing in me and always demanding more. There is always, always more to give, you just have to dig deeper.
Have you read any articles or books or watched any videos or movies recently that reallyinspired you: “The Power of More” by Marnie McBean
Fun Facts: I love to find time for alpine skiing and rock climbing, yoga, and music – I play the flute.
Website: www.zinakocher.com
