David Mackie - Olympic Hopeful
Posted by Robert Morrow
Often, we are told, the young people of today have little idea about where they want to go in the world...norwhat they want to do with their lives. This cannot be said of local triathlete, David Mackie. David is a grade nine student at Highland Secondary School, but already he has amassed more than 200 ribbons and medals through his favourite sport - the triathlon.
Although only 14 years old - well, 15 by the end of this month - David has set some lofty goals for himself. His goal is to compete at the medal level in National, International and Olympic triathlon events. Since beginning to complete with an initial run in the Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club's 5 km run, David has advanced his skills in swimming, biking and running, and even attended the International Children's Games in Iceland, where he placed 12th in the world in the 1500 metres.
His goals are specific and daunting. For 2007, he set his sights on, and accomplished his goals of decreasing his 800 metre swim time by 28 seconds, and decreasing his 5 km run time by 30 seconds. For 2008, he hopes to run a sub 16.30 for the 5 kilometres and hopes to win the Ontario Cup Triathlon Points Series. But, short term goals are then superseded by long-term goals including winning a medal in the 2016 Olympics!
To achieve his goals, David has a rigorous training schedule that involves running 5 times a week, cycling once or twice a week, and swimming on a regular basis as well.
David spoke to the Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club and received financial assistance towards the purchase of new carbon bike - which bears a cost of between $5 and $7 000.