Grant-A-Week WINNER
Erin Riste - Track and Field

My name is Erin Riste. I am a hammer thrower in the sport of track and field. I have been participating in track and field for fourteen years. I have done almost every event. Four years ago I began training with a club in Calgary, Alberta. Because the drive was three hours in each direction, I was only able to go and practice with my coach once or twice a month.I started college in September 1999 in Lethbridge, Alberta. I then began training full-time with a club there. In a matter of one year I went from fourteenth to second in Canada! There are many reasons why I continue to put my heart into training. I think the main reason is because it is a challenging event. It is also important to be physically strong.

As a girl, it is not generally accepted to be strong and muscular. Also, throughout my experiences as an athlete I have had the opportunity to see many places and meet many people from around the world. Having these opportunities did not come easily.

Track and Field has taught me the value of hard work and determination. I would not be where I am today if it were not for a sheer determination and a passion to compete and do well. In July 2000 I went to the Junior National Track and Field Championships in Montreal, Quebec where I placed second in hammer throw. With this second place finish, I qualified to compete with the Junior Canadian Track and Field Team. While on this team, I got to compete in the International Dual Meet against the United States. I also got to travel to Santiago, Chile, to compete in the Junior World Championships. This competition was the highlight of my competitive life.

I could not have done any of this on my own. My parents have given me the financial and emotional support I truly needed to succeed. Unfortunately it is a very expensive sport. I would really like to thank Nike and CAAWS for giving me the grant; but most of all, I would like to thank my parents for being behind me one hundred percent.

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