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!
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.