PROFILE

Melissa Brockerville: Rising Track & Field Star
by Tobin D., Gonzaga High School, St. John's NF

Meet Melissa Brockerville. A young person who demonstrates enthusiasm, energy and confidence. A sports star of the future!

D. Tobin and Melissa
Photo: SNN/RDR
D. Tobin interviews Melissa Brockerville

Melissa is a track and field athlete from Marystown, Nfld. who participated at the Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games in Mount Pearl, Nfld. She ran in the girls 17-18 100, 200 and 400m events as well as relay events for her Eastern Team. Melissa is not new to track and field competitions. She has been competiting nationally for several years.

I had the opportunity to interview Melissa after one of her events. My first impression was that she loves her sport and enjoys competiting with and meeting other athletes. Melissa spoke with me about her experiences as an athletes and also offered advice to young people who may be thinking of competing in sporting events.

Here is a portion of my interview with Melissa.

Melissa's commitment to her sport is strong. It has to be. As an athlete competing nationally she has to train often which takes up a lot of her social life. She stated she tries hard to maintain good relationships with her friends. Fortunately, she has friends who understand her competitive spirit and the need to give it her all. Melissa's parents are also very proud of her and her father, a former provincial marathon runner, gives her advice and support.

Her advice to students who might want to compete in sporting events:

"If you want to be involved in a sport, whether it is track & field, swimming, whatever; or if you are involved in dance, drama, music, you have to be committed to it and understand that it takes a tremendous amount of work. But, I have to say, it is definitely worth the effort - representing your province is a thrill. It's the best."

As I said previously, Melissa has been involved with track & field competitions across Canada during the past few years and has placed very well. In 1998 she placed 6th and in1999 she placed 11th. Although Melissa did not win gold at these games, Melissa kept her positive attitude and is ready for the next meet. Her plans are to continue competiting and to move up in the standing nationally. She is definitely someone to watch in the future.

An inspiration to aspiring athletes and young people alike, Melissa has a good positive attitude and is a focused, determined young person.

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