Whitney McClintock

By TruLife Magazine1

What age did you start water skiing?

2 years old.

In your wildest dreams, did you ever think you’d be Skiing for Canada?

Yes. I started skiing for Canada on the Jr. National team at age 12 and from the moment I made that team I knew I was going to ski for National Team Canada one day. Even as a young athlete, I had major goals for myself that I was really determined to achieve! Amazingly, I made the National Team the very next year when I was only 13.

Whitney McClintock

Born: Oct 2, 1989
Birthplace: Cambridge, Ontario
Height: 5’8”
Age as of October 1st 2009: 19
Turned professional: 2005
Records/accomplishments:
2009-2010 World Slalom, Trick and Overall Champion
2009 Masters Trick Champion and 3rd in Slalom
2009 Canadian Open National Trick, Jump, Overall Champion
2008 Canadian Open National Slalom, Trick, Jump, Overall Champion
Canadian National Trick Record: 8820, Tie Canadian National Slalom Record: 4@39 off (10.75 m)
Level: International
Events: Slalom, Trick, Jump, Overall
Club: McClintock’s Water Ski School, Matt Rini’s Ski School
Coach: Matt Rini
Sponsors: Correct Craft (Ski Nautique), RadaR skis
Personal Best Scores: Slalom- 4 @ 39 off (10.75 m), Trick- 8820, Jump- 51 m (167 ft)

What has been the most memorable moment in your career?

Calgary, Alberta, Canada Worlds 2009. That was the most amazing tournament of my life. Being home in Canada, having the most incredible family, team and country support, having the best coach in the world, and winning three of four events at the most important tournament in Water Skiing … nothing gets better than that!

What made you get involved in skiing from the beginning?

My Aunt Judy and Uncle Joel were both world champions. My dad was also on the Canadian National Team for many years, and my mom was a competitive water skier in the USA; I had no choice! My parents say, “we had Jason and Whitney skiing before they could say ‘no’” Hahaha. Which is true, and for many years it was up to my parents to keep me motivated. Once I moved to Florida, and decided I was serious about water skiing, no greater love has yet been found! (Other than Jesus of course!)

What is your training schedule like during the week?

Well, training has changed since I am back in classes at the University of Central Florida again this fall. Now, I’m back to training as much as I can around the school schedule. Typically, in the spring leading up to competition, 5-6 days a week, I normally stretch and warm-up, ski 4-5 times a day (1 slalom, 1-2 trick, 1-2 jump) then go to the gym in the evenings either doing full-body workouts or cardio. I phase out the gym and increase intensity on the water as the summer approaches. Then in the fall I do the opposite.

How do you mentally prepare yourself prior to competitions?

The mind is so powerful. I believe I can achieve anything I put my mind to. As far as skiing goes, if I properly visualize myself winning or doing a perfect run, that gives me a better chance of accomplishing my goals. Prior to competition, I mentally prepare the same way I would the day of competition – I visualize the movements and process required to be successful, not necessarily the win itself.

Do you get nervous before an event?

The night before an important event I get some butterflies. Most of the time, I get a sudden shot of nervous adrenaline when I am standing on the dock waiting for my turn. I embrace this feeling because it makes me realize how much water skiing means to me.

Do you have any pre-competition rituals?

Rituals, no. I did fall into the trap of superstition when I first started competing internationally and realized I was allowing negative thoughts to affect my performance, I knew I had to stop. Now, I believe that everything happens for a reason, and nothing I do today is going to influence my results tomorrow.

What other competitions do you have coming up in the next year?

Spring of 2010 – 51st US Masters in Pine Mountain, Georgia
Summer 2010 – World Cup Tour, Pro Slalom Tour, Pan Am Championships
http://www.whitneymcclintock.com has my upcoming events as they get closer.

What do you feel are your personal strengths?

I have a strong mind; I am well focused; I am determined.

What are your personal goals?

I would like to win all 4 gold medals at the U-21 World Championship; I would like to become the world record holder of all 4 (slalom, trick, jump, overall) events eventually.

What are your nutrition guidelines prior to a big competition?

Most of the time my nutrition is very important to me. I eat balanced meals and try to stay away from junk food. However, a couple days prior to and during big competitions I tend to get a craving for candy (Swedish berries in particular). I eat whatever I want to for a couple days and then I get back to my balance again.

How important would you say nutrition and proper training is when trying to win a World Championship medal?

Nutrition is vital. I know that fueling my body properly during training and leading up to competition are one of the most important aspects for success. I get plenty of carbohydrates and protein and keep my body hydrated. Then on the day of competition I can get away with treating myself because my body has been properly fueled, even though candy is not a good source of long-term energy.

Going into the world championships, what was going through your head at that moment?

Going into the Worlds was a very stressful time; I knew I was capable, but my nerves definitely started going. Going into the finals was when I just started to enjoy skiing and achieving my goals.

What advice can you give to the youth of today, who want to be in your skis?

Go for what your mind wants and don’t give up until your heart is satisfied. Set your goals and enjoy the ride to achieving them.

Do you have any special good-bye notes to your fans?

Big shout out to my biggest fans: my grandparents Charles and Jo Beck, my parents Jeff and Sherron McClintock, big-brother Jason, my Aunts, Uncles, cousins, friends, and my coach Matt Rini! Thanks to everyone for your amazing support. I love you.

---