“It would be incredible to win the inaugural Canadian University Championships. We have a large team going, and after winning last year’s team competition, we believe we have a decent shot.” – Emmajean Neal
Vancouver, BC – July 12, 2024, the Canadian University Triathlon Championships (in conjunction with the Toronto Triathlon Festival), set to take place on July 14, 2024, bring together top university athletes from across Canada for a competition of endurance, speed, and strategy. This event is a highlight in the university sports calendar, offering a platform for emerging triathletes to showcase their skills and compete for National titles.
The UBC Triathlon Sport Club has been training vigorously for this event. Known for their dedication and team spirit, these athletes balance their rigorous training schedules with academic and external commitments. Even though our athletes are scattered across the country during the summer, their shared goal keeps them connected and focused on the Championship.
To give you a closer look at the preparations and excitement leading up to the event, we interviewed Emmajean Neal, a dedicated athlete of the TSC Triathlon team.
Meet Emmajean Neal
Year & Faculty: 4th year in the Faculty of Science
Major: Integrated Science
Years as a Triathlete: 12
Years with TSC: 4
What do you look forward to the most at the Canadian University Triathlon Championships?
Emmajean:
I’m most excited about spending time with my teammates! During the summer, many of us are spread out across the country and don’t get to see each other regularly. I can’t wait for our pre-race workouts, pasta dinner, and post-race celebrations all together!
How do you balance the training for three different disciplines (swimming, biking, running)?
Emmajean:
A typical training week includes pool swims, open water swims, interval bike rides, long chill rides, run workouts, and easy runs. A highlight for me is our ocean swim workouts at Jericho Beach. As race day gets closer, I add in more technical practice like taking a wetsuit off quickly, mounting and dismounting my bike, and slipping into my running shoes swiftly.
How do you balance the training for three different disciplines (swimming, biking, running)?
Emmajean:
Balancing training for three sports is challenging, but having good training buddies makes it easier. Group training sessions, both organized and impromptu, keep me accountable and having fun. Recovery is also crucial – sleeping a lot and fuelling properly, which definitely includes a weekly post-workout scoop from Rain or Shine, is essential.
How does your team support each other during training and competitions?
Emmajean:
Our team culture is fantastic, making practice something to look forward to every day. Everyone is always keen to help out. Shoutout to Owen for lending out bike bags for everyone to use to fly to Toronto! Our execs are also very knowledgeable and organized, supporting us with any questions we have.
What are your personal goals for the championship?
Emmajean:
My top priority is to have fun. Sometimes having fun is slightly tied to performing well. Personally, I aim to have a strong bike leg, as it’s usually my weakest discipline. I’ll be content if I cross the finish line knowing I gave it my all.
What are the team’s goals and expectations for the event?
Emmajean:
We are definitely aiming for the win. It would be incredible to win the inaugural Canadian University Championships. We have a large team going, and after winning last year’s team competition, we believe we have a decent shot.
Aside from the competition, what are you looking forward to the most about visiting Toronto?
Emmajean:
My best friend, who graduated from the team last year and moved to Florida to be a coastal engineer, will be competing at the race. I can’t wait to see her and spend time with her before and after (and maybe even during) the race.
How do you and your teammates plan to celebrate your hard work together?
Emmajean:
After the race, my Florida friend and I like to walk as many steps as possible and tour Toronto by foot. Last year, we reached 65k steps. I also look forward to our team dinner after the race – and ice cream.
*Disclaimer: Walking this much is probably not ideal for post-race recovery, but sometimes you need to prioritize fun.*
As Emmajean and her teammates prepare for the Canadian University Triathlon Championships, we wish them the best of luck and look forward to cheering them online or perhaps even in-person! Be sure to follow UBC TSC and Triathlon SC on Instagram for live updates on the team’s performance and most up to date news from TSC teams.
Go Thunderbirds Go!