Konnor McTavish is proving himself a rising star on the track and field stage.
The Fisher Branch Collegiate student capped his Grade 8 year with a silver medal in discus at the Junior High Provincial Championships in June, hosted at the University of Manitoba.
McTavish has been competing for two years, first drawn in after a physical education class.
“I remember doing track and field activities in P.E. class and our P.E. teacher, Mr. Lee, showed us the proper technique of how to throw a discus and from that moment I was interested,” he said.
Although he has also entered high jump and shot put, discus has become his strongest event. He especially enjoys the energy of the meets.
“I was proud of my placement (at provincials) and that I have achieved it two years in a row,” McTavish said. “I started the day with high jump so I was very nervous but felt a lot calmer throwing the discus as I had done that event there last year. My first throw was my furthest, which was exciting.”
Before each competition, McTavish focuses on both body and mind, practising his throws and relying on deep breathing to ease nerves and sharpen focus.
Amanda Percival Bouchard, Fisher Branch Collegiate’s middle-years track and field coach, said his medal is especially meaningful given the size of the field.
“Konnor is a friendly, quiet athlete who is encouraging of others,” she said. “He is very humble but also excited about throwing discus and looking to improve on his technique and future meets.”
Looking ahead, McTavish is preparing to move into high school competition where he will face older athletes.
“I am hoping to continue to improve in throwing the discus and would love to get first place one year,” he said. “I would like to seek out some private coaching in throwing and know of some opportunities in the Interlake to do so, which is exciting.”
Percival Bouchard said McTavish sets an example for other students.
“It is so exciting to see them excel in a new area that they may have never realized was possible,” she said. “Track and field is a sport that offers many athletic avenues and we know that he is a great role model to show anything is possible if you put your mind to doing it.”
