At top speed McKendry clears 42 kp/h |Mik Horvath/MBC
Clara McKendry is a local girl with a love for winter sports, particularly, long track speed skating.
McKendry is found practicing and competing as much as she’s in school; typically dedicating nearly every day for training.
She recently turned 12, but McKendry has loved speed skating since she noticed she was one of the quicker members of her hockey team at four-years-old.
-
- Mik Horvath/MBC
-
- Mik Horvath/MBC
McKendry’s speed and skill was quickly noticed by local coaches, who selected her to train further at developmental camps within the province.
Jack Macdonald, McKendry’s father and speed skating coach, said McKendry would get the chance to compete nationally if she qualified at a time trial top camp athletes can attend.
At the time McKendry was 11-years-old, so she qualified for the 11 age group girls division at the Long Track Youth Championships in Calgary.
She is one of two Ontarians in her division, putting McKendry ahead of many top provincial skaters.
-
- Mik Horvath/MBC
-
- Mik Horvath/MBC
However, being a top athlete also means it’s important to maintain a calm and collected mindset.
Being a speed skating coach means Macdonald can spend a lot of time working with his daughter on her skills, and he’s mapped out a daily routine to optimize performance development.
He said he couldn’t be more excited to see his daughter compete nationally for the first time in her athletic career.
Mik Horvath/MBC
The competition is this upcoming weekend, and all races can be watched on YouTube.
(Written by Mik Horvath)
