LETHBRIDGE – Jim Steacy is already the most decorated hammer thrower in Canadian history. When his championship medals are laid out, it’s an impressive display.
“It’s neat to look back and actually see what I’ve been able able to accomplish in my 15 years as an athlete to date,” said Steacy.
The first senior level championship for the Lethbridge product came at the 2005 Francophonie Games in Niger. His other major international medals include, among others, silver at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Australia and gold at the 2007 Pan Am Games in Brazil. He’s a two-time Olympian and has also earned 11 Canadian championships and eight Canadian University gold medals.
But, of all the medals, the one which means the most to him is the gold he won at last years Commonwealth Games in Scotland, coming just months after the sudden death of his mother, Debby.
“This is probably my most treasured medal,” said Steacy. “It was really important that I go to Scotland and do well, and to come away with a win is something that I’ll treasure forever.”
In fact, most of his memories from his years of competition come from his time outside the circle. He’s competed in more than 20 countries and thrown on every continent except Antarctica.
“Getting to see the ruins in Greece, seeing giraffe herds in the wild in Africa when I was there, feeding kangaroos in Australia,” remembers Steacy. “I’ve had some really, really tremendous experiences.”
He’s also had the chance to give back. One of his fondest memories occurred in Africa, where he and his teammates left a lasting legacy.
“My housemates and I bought a gentleman, who had polio, we bought him a wheelchair so he could get around,” said Steacy.
This week though, Steacy gets to stay close to home. He is competing in Toronto as part of team Canada at the Pan Am Games.
“To have one at home is going to be really special,” said Steacy. “It’s something that not a lot of athletes get to do.”
At 31-years-old, with a body showing the wear of 15 years of competition, the Winston High School and University of Lethbridge grad isn’t taking anything for granted.
“I’m very much okay with the fact that I know my career’s winding down,” said Steacy.
He hopes to represent Canada at the 2016 Olympics, but now also realizes there is more to life than just competition.
“It’s been a dream come true, and if this does end up being my last team, or if I do make one more Olympic Games, then great,” said Steacy. “But, if not, at the end of the day I can look back at my career and be very, very happy and satisfied with what I’ve been fortunate enough to accomplish.”
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