Our Young Olympian, Leah Robinson
0Leah currently holds the women’s Canadian record in her class for the 400m, 800m, and 1500m. At the 2008 Canadian Track and Field Championships, Leah won Gold in the 100m, 200m and 400m. She is currently ranked number 1 in North America. In the Beijing Paralympics in 2008, she finished 11th in the 100m and 9th in the 200m.
Leah Robinson
Height: 5 7”
Birth Date: November 7, 1993
Age: 15 yrs. old
Residence: Mannheim
Club: Laurel Creek Track Club
Coach: Bruce Glebe
On Team Since: Joined Athletics Canada Senior National Team in July 08
Shoes: Brooks (Spikes) Nike Zoom (Training)
Sponsor: Athletics Canada Carded Athlete, Hudson’s Bay Company Athlete
Event: 100M – 1500M
How did it feel breaking a national record at the young age of 12?
Breaking a national record was a real thrill – it was a bit of an eye-opener, and a real confidence-builder. It gave me the confidence to pursue more records and to aspire to greater athletic accomplishments.
Considering you are the youngest Canadian to ever compete in the Olympics, did you feel intimidated by the older competitors while you were in Beijing?
I didn’t really feel intimidated by older athletes, but I did experience some of the psychological pressures and mind games that other athletes play with each other at international competitions like the Beijing Paralympics. (Paralympics means parallel to the Oylmpics; and is for athletes with a physical disability. The Paralympics occur immediately after the Olympics. In Beijing, over 4000 athletes from 144 countries competed at the games).
It must have been very nerve-wracking and stressful to have the pressures of competing in the Olympics on your shoulders. How did you manage to stay grounded and focused?
I’ve learned to not rely on others to get things accomplished and that I have to do certain things myself. For example, no one else could qualify for me to get to Beijing. It had to be ALL me. I had to want it and work for it. All my coach, personal trainer and family could do was support and believe in me. I had competed at four Canadian Track and Field Championships prior to the Beijing Games – these experiences have taught me to stay calm and remain focused on what I have to do. I think my Dad was more nervous during my races in the Bird’s Nest than I was.
Since your career has taken off, where have you had the opportunity to travel?
Where would you say has been your absolute favourite place to visit? I’ve had the opportunity to travel to several Canadian destinations for national championships (Regina, Windsor and Ottawa), Orlando for a couple of national training camps, Tempe, Arizona for the U.S. Paralympic Trials, and New Jersey/New York City for an International meet prior to Beijing. Beijing has to be my favourite destination so far! In the next couple of years I will be traveling to England, India, Australia and New Zealand.
In what ways has your family and community supported you through this life changing experience?
My parents’ loving support was most important. My parents were so supportive. They drove me to practices, track meets and training camps. I couldn’t have gone to Beijing without them. I’ve also been fortunate to have a number of very dedicated track coaches and a personal trainer who have helped prepare me for competition at this level.
Between all of the training, extra-curricular activities, and school, when are you able to just relax and have time for yourself?
I’ve managed to find time to do stuff with my friends – it just takes a bit more planning to make it happen.
Do you feel like you’re missing out on vital teenage years because you’re busy fulfilling your dreams?
I don’t feel I’m missing out on normal teenage activities. Athletics has provided me with additional opportunities for friendship with team-mates and other athletes, and to expand my horizons. Travel, and the competition that goes with it, has given me a broader view of the world.
Do you think it’s possible to have an equal balance between the two?
I struggle with this one – learning to balance athletics, school, and a social life has been a real challenge. My school (Rockway Mennonite Collegiate) was very accommodating when I went to Beijing (I missed the first three weeks of Grade 10), and has helped me work through assignments during my training & competitions.
You’ve said in the past that you look up to Olympic athletes Perdita Felicien and Chantal Petitclerc. What are some qualities they possess that you admire?
Athletes like Chantal Petitclerc, Perdita Felicien, and Nicole Forrester are all very committed to their sports, show great determination in what they do, and are great role models for aspiring athletes.
What are a few things you’ve learned from the Beijing games that will help you prepare for the 2012 games?
The Beijing Games (I finished 11th in the 100m and 9th in the 200m) taught me a number of things that will help me “take it to the next level” at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. Having been exposed to competition at this level, I now know what it will take, both mentally and physically, to advance to the finals in my races. Having run in front of 85,000 spectators in Beijing, I’ve learned to focus on my lane and the race, and “tune out” all distractions. In 2012, I’ll be four years older, stronger and faster.
Being in this industry must be very exhausting and difficult at times. What keeps you motivated to continue pursuing this dream?
It was a phenomenal honour to be 14 and represent Canada. I know that it does not happen often. This continues to motivate and push me to be the best I can be – a lot of people have seen potential in me, and I’m eager to live up to their confidence and trust.
Do you feel like your condition has ever held you back?
No, not at all. In fact, I feel that my cerebral palsy has provided me with some opportunities I might not otherwise have had. Even when I was younger, I had come to the realization that I was a very unique person and that there was no one else in the world that was exactly like me. I know I have my own set of talents and weaknesses. I have to work hard to get what I want; it’s always been that way and it always will be. So I’ve come to accept that. (Leah has hemispheric cerebral palsy, which means it affects one side of her body. Basically, her brain misfires signals to her muscles on the right side. As a result, the muscles are weaker and she walks with a slight limp. Years of physiotherapy at KidsAbility have helped immensely.)
What are some of the training routines you do to get yourself ready for competitions and to keep yourself in shape?
My training involves, practices 3 times a week for 2 and half hours each with the Laurel Creek Track and Field Club. My coach Bruce Glebe is great and is really pushing me to reach my potential.
Is track something you see yourself sticking to career-wise, or do you have other aspirations for the future?
My plan is to compete in the 2012, 2016 Paralympics. I hope to have a nursing degree completed by this point. I also want to get involved with the Right To Play. Right to Play is one of my favourite sporting organizations because it gives kids the chance to live out their dreams no matter how big or small they may be.
As you grow older, have your initial goals shifted since you first started competing?
Yes, I have my own mission statement now, which is “To dream big, accomplish all of the goals and challenges that I have set for myself, inspire others and give back to the people that have given to me.”
How do you feel you’ve grown as an individual as opposed to an athlete?
I believe that having a good attitude in life can lead to a happy, successful person, no matter what it is that they succeed in. I don’t think I would be able to go a single day without smiling or laughing really hard. Everyone has high points and low points in their lives. Life would actually be pretty boring if everything about it was perfect. People would have no goals or setbacks to conquer. I have always known my strengths and weaknesses that come along with my disability. I’m also the type of person that does NOT like to hear the word never. But it, poses as a challenge to me, which eventually turns into a goal. When I have a goal, I find that I can be more optimistic because I can expect setbacks and make them temporary because I want to get them over fast in order to achieve my goal.
