Barons’ Macnab thrives in another sport

Maya Macnab is a force to be reckoned with in the realm of high school athletics, particularly as she embarks on her journey in the quadrathlon—a relatively new competition in high school track and field. Known for her vibrant enthusiasm and willingness to explore new sports, Macnab has truly embraced the spirit of quadrathlon, a discipline that typically includes four events: shot put, long jump, 100 meters, and 800 meters.

At just 15 years old, Maya embodies a multi-sport athlete philosophy, having participated in a range of athletic activities throughout her life. From hockey to triathlons, her diverse background equips her with the skills needed to excel in such a demanding format. As she describes it, “This is something I’ve never done before, so I thought I’d give it a try. I’m really enjoying it this year.”

Her recent performance at the Northwest district meet was commendable, and she is now set for the Saskatchewan high school provincials in Moose Jaw. Competing in the intermediate girls’ division, along with fellow Barons’ athletes Joseph Kelly and Katherine Thiessen, Macnab finds herself surrounded by a supportive community of fellow athletes who share her passion.

Macnab’s journey into quadrathlon began upon encouragement from her mother, who recognized her potential and suggested she engage in a sport that involved multiple components. “I like that it’s not just one event where you stand around and do nothing. It’s a mix of events demanding different skills,” she explains. This versatility makes quadrathlon an appealing challenge for her.

Aspirations to develop her skills further have motivated Macnab to train diligently. “Going into it, I wasn’t much of a sprinter,” she admits, but her commitment to improvement has opened doors in all events, especially in long jump and shot put. She is making strides in sprinting, too, demonstrating an admirable dedication to her multidimensional athletic profile.

To add to her busy schedule, Maya has also played hockey with the Junior Rustlers travel team, competing regularly throughout the winter. The experience has honed her endurance and overall physical prowess. With every bit of sport she engages in—whether it’s badminton, basketball, or track—Macnab showcases a remarkable enthusiasm for not just competing, but for continuous personal growth through athletics.

Coach Christine Thiessen, who has played an instrumental role in nurturing Maya’s talent, praises her as an ideal representative for quadrathlon. Her support doesn’t stop there; Thiessen actively advocates for women’s sports within the community, helping create opportunities for young female athletes like Macnab. “I love how she advocates for women in sports,” Maya expresses, highlighting the importance of mentorship in her journey.

Supporting one another and fostering friendships is a powerful aspect of Macnab’s experience. “Through sports, you meet a wide variety of different people. Everyone brings something different,” she notes. The rich array of relationships she’s built through athletics has contributed significantly to her personal development, echoing the sentiment many athletes share about the bonds forged in sports.

As she heads towards the provincial meet in Moose Jaw, Maya admits to feeling “a good nervous.” It’s the kind of excitement that fuels her rather than hinders her performance. This mindset showcases her resilience and passion for the sport. Her participation speaks volumes about her dedication and eagerness to learn.

In addition to her athletic pursuits, Maya will represent her school along with Coach Thiessen at a Women in Sport conference in Saskatoon this June, further exemplifying her engagement in the sporting community and commitment to advocacy for women’s participation in sports.

While preparing for the upcoming challenges, Maya Macnab remains optimistic and focused. With her diverse background and unwavering approach, she continues to thrive not only as an athlete but as a role model for many aspiring young sports enthusiasts.

As we celebrate youth like Maya, we are reminded that sports have the power to unite, inspire, and empower. Her journey in quadrathlon is merely a chapter in what promises to be a long and fruitful story of athletic achievement and personal growth. Whether it’s competing on the provincial stage or providing support to her peers, Macnab exemplifies the essence of what athleticism should represent—determination, resilience, and a love for the game.

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