N. Hawthorn, a runner from Bracebridge, is fulfilling a lifelong ambition by competing for Canada at the Olympics.
Feelings of elation have overtaken me. She thanked her friends, family, and supporters, saying, “It’s just incredibly great because it’s been a goal of mine since elementary school — dreaming of going to participate at the Olympics and representing Canada and to see it all come together this year.”
To see our efforts rewarded in such a meaningful way has been quite remarkable. My Olympic dream has come true.
N. Hawthorn Olympic Career
On July 5th, we were able to connect with N. Hawthorn in Spokane, Washington, where she is doing her training. “I’m still kind of processing everything,” she remarked.
While she slept on Saturday, July 3, she received a swarm of texts from friends and family members congratulating her on making the Olympic team for the 1,500-meter run in Tokyo, Japan.
N. Hawthorn’s aerobic strength training helped her get out to a fast start in the five-kilometer races.
As for the 1,500 metres, “the plan was always to test out and see how I could do,” she explained, adding, “I was pleased to attain (Olympic) standard in the 5-K.”
As for the second race, I’ll just say, “I ran it.
“We were only 27 seconds off the benchmark, so it really got us happy,” she said.
She finally broke the standard by a few hundredths of a second in her third race.
It was thrilling, she said.
She and Gabriella DeBues-Stafford are currently the only two women in Canada who have met the 1,500-meter qualifying requirement.
She reflected on how the 1,500-meter race has always been her greatest source of competitiveness and excitement, and how her result gave her hope that she would be chosen for the squad.
Canada’s Olympic team will touch down in Gifu, Japan on July 18 to prepare for the anticipated 40-degree heat and to race before flying to Tokyo for the big show. While the Olympic opening ceremonies will be held on July 23, N. Hawthorn first race won’t be until August 2.
As for the support she’s received from her hometown of Bracebridge and beyond, she said, “I’m happy and soaking it all in and enjoying all the lovely words from people all across my journey.”
Final Words
My parents, Ken and Julie Hawthorn, are over the moon, and I’ve been spending a lot of time conversing with them on FaceTime and the phone. N. Hawthorn added, “I truly look forward to seeing them when I can to celebrate, and of course I wish they could travel to Tokyo along with my fiancé (Coleman Allen).
But in the case of COVID, that is the reality – no onlookers are permitted, but we will find ways to spread the joy.
Her stay with Allen and his family in Spokane, Washington, has been pleasant, she added, though she does miss her loved ones in Bracebridge.
