Airdrie's Sienna MacDonald on track with heptathlon
Sienna MacDonald grew up playing a lot of different sports in high school and she was very good at all of them.
MacDonald's basketball coach noticed and offered a suggestion.
"I played soccer, basketball and prior to that I did gymnastics," the 19-year-old said.
"One day my basketball coach was like Sienna you're really fast. You need to try track."
BIGGEST WIN OF HER CAREER
MacDonald listened to her coach's advice and decided to try heptathlon. It was a good decision. Heptathlon combines six disciplines: the 100 metre hurdles, the 100 and 800 metres, the high jump, long jump, shot put and javelin.
Last week in Langley, B.C. MacDonald scored the biggest victory of her career, winning the Canadian championship.
MacDonald was the best of the best in Canada and said it was a thrill to take home the title.
MacDonald was the best of the best in Canada and said it was a thrill to take home the title.
"It meant everything," she said.
"Going in there was a lot of pressure. It was probably the biggest meet I've ever been to. I was there with a lot of big names so winning it I was ecstatic!"
GRAMATIK LIKES WHAT HE SEES
MacDonald works with veteran coach Les Gramantik. He's coached a lot of very talented athletes and said MacDonald is one of the best talents he's had in a long time.
Gramantik said the victory will give MacDonald a lot of confidence going forward.
"I kept emphasizing that you have to appreciate the opportunity that was given to you to compete at this level and to be able to win at this level," Gramantik said.
"This is something that you've accomplished and no one can take it away from you. For the rest of your life you're a Canadian champion, even if you're not going to do it again."
NO TIME TO CELEBRATE
MacDonald didn't have much time to celebrate her big victory. On Tuesday she was back training at Foothills Athletic Park to get ready for another meet Wednesday at Foothills.
MacDonald said she's okay with that.
"Tomorrow (Wednesday) will be interesting," she said.
"It’s a four hour meet and I've got four events to do so it's going to be a long day. My legs might hurt a little bit but it will be okay."
SIGHTS SET ON THE OLYMPICS IN THE FUTURE
She isn't on the national team yet but has her sights set on making the team.
This summer she'll be heading to Niagara, Ontario to compete for Alberta at the Canada Summer Games. Beyond that, MacDonald said she has a very big goal she'd like to reach one day soon.
"Big end goal like obviously every athletes dream is going to the Olympics," she said. "So hopefully one day I'll make it there."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.