See How She Got Started in the OUA

Anchored in the efforts to spotlight Ontario University Athletics (OUA) student-athletes, the initiative See How She Got Started showcases and tells the story of how some of the conference’s talented student-athletes first got involved in sport and have made their way to the varsity stage on which they currently shine.  It is also hoped that their stories can inspire young athletes to aspire to compete in varsity-level sports.

 

 

Meet OUA Student-Athlete Emilie Lum

University - 

University of Ottawa

 

Sport -

Nordic Skiing

 

Year of Eligibility -

4th Year

 

Hometown - 

Ottawa, Ontaro 

 

Program of Study - 

BSc. Sciences de l'activité physique (BSc. Human Kinetics) 

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

My brother was initially involved in cross-country skiing early on. My family enjoyed the community and the activity nordic skiing provided and decided to start me on skis at 3 years of age.

 

What most interested you about your sport that made you want to pursue it at a high level?

I have always loved the community and the people I have met through cross-country skiing. I also love having something to focus on other than school throughout the year.  Both of these together made me want to ski at a high level.  

 

What is your fondest memory/experience of being involved in your sport thus far?

Any of my memories with my ski friends are good ones. My favourite times are at the end of races when we are all done the hard work and are exhausted but extremely happy. 

 

Is there someone who inspires you to continue to pursue your sport at this high level (i.e., coach, professional athlete, family member, etc.) and what makes them an inspiration to you?

My roommate and best friend inspires me to continue skiing. She is a speedy racer and I have always looked up to her and her hard work when it comes to skiing.   

 

What excites you most about continuing your athletic journey at the varsity level within the OUA?

I am most excited about meeting even more likeminded people who have the love for skiing and sport as I do.

 

 

What is/are some of the more unique aspect(s) of your sport that others may not know about? 

One unique aspect of our sport is that we rollerski during the summer as part of our dryland training.     

 

If someone else was looking to start playing your sport, what one piece of advice would you give them to get them started?

I would want that person to know that learning how to nordic ski is a process but it is definitely worth all the hard work. It is a wonderful sport that you can keep on doing for the rest of your life.  

 

What is one critical thing that you do to try to continue to experience improvement within your sport (i.e., specific drill/exercise, training regimen, routine, etc.)?

One critical thing that I try to continue to improve within my sport is rest and knowing when to use it.

 

What would you say to your 10-year-old self about playing and staying in sport?

I would tell my 10-year-old self that it is worth all the connections and that staying in sport has benefits all over. It helps with school, social life, and overall happiness.      

 

Is there one strategy that you find works well for you in creating a positive student/athlete balance in your life?

I think listening to your body and knowing when you need a break is extremely important in being a balanced student-athlete.   

 

SeeWhatSheCanDo

Head to the SWSCD Athlete Advisor, your online athletic business directory. Find, rate and review programs, local community offerings and businesses that will help you do your thing.  

Start a group around a physical activity in your neighbourhood. Explore events. Check out our SWSCD Hub.

Look for advice, stories, news and more on our Cross Country Skiing activity page.  

Have a sport, recreation or physical activity accomplishment you'd like to celebrate and shout out through SWSCD?  Become a SWSCD member and share your story directly on SeeWhatSheCanDo. Or, simply add the hashtag #seewhatshecando to your public social media posts and SWSCD can help you inspire others around you.