LIZ GLEADLE - TRACK AND FIELD (2007-10)

Degree: Bachelor of Kinesiology 2014
Current Profession: Olympic Athlete - Javelin
Instagram: @javelizz
Website: www.lizgleadle.com 

Why did you choose to study/play at UBC?
I went with my gut. I had a full-ride offer to go to Berkeley, but something was pulling me to stay in Vancouver and go to UBC. It ended up being the right decision to launch my javelin career (pardon the pun)!

Did you receive financial support as a student-athlete? If so, how did this impact your experience as a T-Bird?
I've received Carding from the Athlete Assistance Program since 2005, as well as a scholarship from UBC. My parents had also put aside money for me to go to university. Being a student-athlete on top of being a full-time student is an enormous commitment, and without financial support, I would have had to get a summer job instead of training full-time to make national teams.

What advice do you have for current student-athletes?
To quote Kevin Kelly's 68 Bits of Unsolicited Advice: "Don't be the smartest person in the room. Hangout with, and learn from, people smarter than yourself. Even better, find smart people who will disagree with you."

Any particular insights during this quarantine?
About a month into quarantine, I was peeling a pomegranate for a snack and realized I didn't remember the last time I'd eaten one. I'd rarely buy it, because it took too long to peel. But there I was, casually leaning against the counter and patiently pulling the seeds from the membrane. I realized before isolation, I would rush too much and not enjoy the simple moments. Make time to smell the flowers and peel the pomegranate.

What are your books/movie suggestions?
10% Happier - Dan Harris. This is the book that helped me start meditating regularly: it helped me internalize that a little goes a long, and that something is always better than nothing. It's also a really well told story.

Can you share any new quarantine hobbies/goals?
I haven't done anything new, but I have made time for more self-care and recovery. I started meditating daily, doing more saunas and ice baths, and reading more for pleasure instead of work. I also progressed my yoga Wheel Pose from "embarrassing" to "awesome"!

What question would you ask other T-Birds/mentors?
What was a decision you made that seemed small at the time, but looking back you realized it had a significant impact on your life trajectory?

Up until I was 21, I didn't prioritize my sleep. I made the small decision most days to do something else instead of getting to bed on time.  Sleep probably is the biggest factor in how well we learn, and how we physically recover. If I had a more consistent bedtime routine, I think I wouldn't have had some of the injuries that occurred, and I might have thrown Olympic Standard earlier. 

How can other alumni/student-athletes connect with you?
Instagram & Twitter (@javelizz) and Facebook (@javelizzz) are best to follow the lead up to my third Olympics! I can also be contacted through my website www.lizgleadle.com.