What initially started as a hobby turned into a career for Olympian Liz Gleadle. The 27 year-old has been throwing javelin since she was in junior high, and is now training for her second Olympics.
“I love my job, and there is nothing else I want to do,” Gleadle said.
Gleadle doesn’t hold the average nine-to-five job. Instead, her job is a high performance track and field athlete and it’s a 24-hour, 365 day a year commitment.
From November to April, when she’s not competing on the international circuit, the Vancouver native, trains out of Lethbridge, with her coach, Lawrence Steinke.
After making it to the Olympic finals in 2012, and finishing 12th overall, Gleadle is more motivated than ever to achieve her goals. As a second time Olympic competitor, Gleadle is ready to conquer the podium.
“I’m not just planning to attempt to make the final. I’m planning on attempting to make the podium.”
If she is successful in her pursuit, she will be the first ever female javelin thrower to medal at the Olympics for Canada.
“I would cry like a baby, I’d be so happy, I wouldn’t even know what to do with myself,” Gleadle said.
In a sport that is equal parts technique and strength, Gleadle is focused on mastering the perfect throw.
“If you’re off by a couple of degrees with the javelin, you lose a couple of meters, and that’s pretty crucial,” Gleadle said.
The striking athlete stands at 6’1″, but, is humble about her many accomplishments. Gleadle holds the Canadian record for female javelin throw at 64.83 meters, and took home gold last year at the Pan American games.
Gleadle’s success is as much due to her attitude as it is her physical strength.
“I come from a place of work,” Gleadle said. “Not necessarily from a place of athletic talent.”
From now until the Olympic Games in August, she will be competing at several local and international competitions. Gleadle also hopes to one day break the female Javelin world record of 72 meters.