Olga (9 page)

As I say, records are made to be broken. If I could jump at 89, why not jump at 90? I am so
grateful
to be able to do all of this at my age. It’s still good for my body. Once you get serious about competing, you want to keep going. Go for the gold! For those of you who love numbers and stats, I have included all my athletic achievements from 2004 and 2009. You will find them at the end of the
book.

Championships give me the opportunity to travel and compete. I have competed throughout Canada as well as in Argentina, Australia (4 times), Barbados, England, Finland (2 times), Germany, Italy (2 times), Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain, and the United States (many
times).

In October, I competed at the 2013 World Masters Athletics Championships in Porto Alegre, Brazil. I had earlier strained my right shoulder rotator cuff ligament while writing this book in longhand, and injured it further during the summer when I competed in three championships; consequently, I had to throw with my left hand. I was originally registered in 11 events, but had to scratch the Hammer Throw, not because of my injury, but because I couldn’t get from one venue to the next within the 15 minute time requirement: a taxi took 40 minutes. Throws Pentathlon also had to be scratched because I had a sore throat, brought on by the cold, damp weather. As a result, I was only able to compete in 9 events for which I won 9 gold
medals.

I also hope to compete in 2014 in Hungary, and in 2015 in Lyon, France. I love to compete, travel, and make new friends. Let me tell you about the time I received a phone call from a
prince!

During the 2009 World Masters Games in Australia there was much jubilation for Ruth Frith who had turned 100. I wanted so much to see Ruth compete in track and field throws at her age. It was exciting that we would be meeting and celebrating her athletic performance, one that was super for her. Sunday, October 11, 2009 would be my last championship meet for the year 2009, the year I turned 90. I was the new kid on the block that year, being the youngest athlete in my age category W90-94. My performance was great; every sprint, jump, and throw produced a world record and earned a gold medal. As I had no competitors, it was my turn to break previous records as
well.

HRH Prince of Malaysia presented me with one of my gold medals. Ordinarily, I don’t hoard my medals in boxes and drawers, and I give them away as signs of appreciation. The prince was overwhelmed when I presented him with one of my newly acquired gold medals. We chatted for a while and had our picture taken. I mentioned that in February 2010, Vancouver would be hosting the Winter Olympics. He said he knew this and would be attending the
games.

During the 2010 Olympics, I was involved with the Olympic Torch Relay organizers. I was assigned to carry the Olympic torch on February 12 at 7:45 p.m. in West Vancouver. The excitement was overwhelming. Lo and behold, it got better when I received a phone call from the assistant to the Prince of Malaysia who said the prince and his family were in Whistler, and he would like to speak with me. I was overjoyed with anticipation. I was kept in suspense for three long days, and I didn’t leave the house even for aquafit class or to make pyrogies because “My Prince” would be
calling.

Finally, on Sunday afternoon, the assistant called and said, “The prince would like to speak with you.” I just about dropped the phone. A very pleasant voice said how happy he and his family were to be in Vancouver, especially in Whistler. What a great city and what hospitality, he said. He was having a wonderful time. I was practically speechless with excitement, and I thanked him for remembering that I lived in Vancouver. My prince had phoned
me.

As much as I may like to speak with royalty, I am uncomfortable in the public eye. I just want to be a friend and quietly do my own thing. I have always been humble. In 2009 I was honoured to be inducted into the Canadian Master Athletes Hall of Fame. I try to relay my message to as many children and seniors as I can. If I can inspire some, there might just be that one in a crowd somewhere who will one day be in their own respective Hall of
Fame.

What a treat to be selected for the Canadian Masters Athletics Hall of Fame, especially when I would be among the legends of track and field. My induction was such a huge honour and caught me a bit by surprise. I definitely didn’t think about it when I was competing. With every competition, I always promise myself that I will win a medal. I don’t say what
colour.

When the time comes, that promise I made gives me more determination to go harder than the other athletes. When my body wants to stop because it hurts so much, I think of my promise. I work as hard as I possibly can. Throughout the competitions, because of my promise to work hard enough to win a medal, the bronze medal feels as good as the
gold.

When I was inducted into the Hall of Fame, I heard the audience cheer. I had to pinch myself that I was a member of such an elite group of track and field athletes. What a special moment to realize I belonged with them. All the hard work, the family support, the dedication to improvement, and the ability to stay healthy contributed to my success. All that effort was important, but two things assisted me in attaining my athletic goals: my desire to stick to the training, and my love for the sport. I couldn’t be
prouder!

Even with this “Master Athlete of the Year” title, it’s already behind me. That was in March 2010, being ranked by Sports B.C. Now I am thinking ahead, and I can’t wait to turn 95 and enter the W95 category. Whatever I did, how high I jumped, world records, gold medals, all that is behind me. The biggest thing for me is to surpass the existing records and move on. Be positive: that is the best
attitude.

Older adults, over 50, 60, and 70 years of age, are becoming serious athletes competing in local, national and international championships. These senior athletes are experiencing a level of fitness that can fight debilitating aging. This is the secret to staying young and healthy: our bodies were meant to move. When you feel fit, you are flexible, which is a natural feeling. Your body is balanced and co-coordinated with strong healthy bones and muscles. An active person can remain healthy and in the last years of life avoid a long bout of ill health. This is what we all should experience. I am referring mainly to athletes, because this is a world I
know.

One of my fellow competitors, Earl Fee, a much sought after motivational speaker who has written a book entitled
How to be a Champion from 9 to 90
has this to say about longevity: “Who wouldn’t be interested in living longer and at the same time enjoying higher quality living? Aging is affected by your genes, but your real biological age depends largely on your everyday habits of eating, sleeping, drinking, physical and mental exercising, stress level, smoking, etc. Slowing down is due more to rusting out than aging. Get rid of that ‘I am slow because I’m old’
thinking.”

Here is one example of what determination and perseverance is all about in sport competition. Fellow competitor Soumé, W84, is 9 years younger than I. She and I ran a 200m sprint at USATP Championships in Lisle, Illinois in August 2012. Not being totally aware at the time of our age difference, I stayed with Soumé until about 25 metres to the finish line. I thought to myself why not add a little pressure, and I almost beat her. I might have passed her if I had added that little effort sooner. This was a good lesson. There is always next time. It’s good to have a challenge and to feel
competitive.

I believe the reason I ran the 200m sprint with such ease was because I had 40 minutes before the race to lie on the grass and elevate my legs at a 45° angle against the fence. I could feel the energy returning to my legs when I most needed it. At the finish line, I was able to walk and talk with
ease.

If sagging skin, faulty organs, arthritis, failing hearts and minds can develop from losing the battle against gravity, I feel I am winning that battle every time I push myself to run faster, jump higher, throw
farther.

I am happy to be a mentor to women athletes who are following in my footsteps and embarking on a career of master competition in track and field events. Track and field is not ice skating. It’s not necessary to smile and make a wonderful impression on the judges. Forget about looking cool. This is about survival in running, jumping, and
throwing.

I love my new sports career. I love competing. I love travelling around the world. I love making new friends. I have no reason to stop. I have no plans to stop! I am enjoying my health and lifestyle, and I thank God that He keeps me healthy and gives me the opportunities to use my talent. It’s kind of nice to win and to be recognized. I believe in an old Chinese saying, “It’s not how old you are; it’s how you get old.” What a great life I have discovered, and I wish the same for
you!

You are the champion. Keep everything simple. Just do what you do and trust how you do it. It’s amazing how many elements determine a champion. The weight on your shoulders to carry your country is not a burden. All the caring and support will lift you and not weigh you down.

Go for it champ! You can do it! Trust
yourself!

Gravity. We can’t see it or touch it, but it guides our destiny. I want to defy gravity. Sketch by David
Kind.

Your homework
assignment:

Today, give your complete attention to physical activity. Observe how challenging it is to use your physical body in new and different ways. Persist and persevere when you encounter any
difficulties.

Discover the fine balance between effort and exhaustion. Be competitive but don’t gamble with your well-being. Wear good workout shoes that provide comfort and
support.

Have the courage to discover what you need to do in order to stay healthy. Exercise is not a luxury; it is the key to healthy aging. Choose a physical activity that you enjoy, and if you need additional information, ask for help. Sports and age have no
boundaries.

Get moving. Remember to stretch before working out. Stretching will improve the range of motion in your muscles and joints. If you’re just beginning an exercise program, get a few weeks of strength training under your belt. Your aerobic or cardiovascular workouts will be much more
enjoyable.

Don’t set up barriers. Say to yourself: “If Olga can do it, I can do it!” I believe if there is a will, there is a way, and determination and discipline are the two key elements in achieving your goals. And remember, there is a first time for
everything.

Our dishwasher has been broken for some time, so my husband, who is waiting for a knee replacement, does the dishes. I came home from work one evening very tired, and as we were cleaning up after dinner, I announced that one of these days I was going to get that dishwasher fixed. Our 7-year-old grandson Chris quick-wittedly piped in, “All it needs, Grandma, is a new
knee”.

SIX
Why Community Matters

Carrying the torch in the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Torch Relay. Noris Burdeniuk
photo.

Lesson:
The happiest, healthiest people in the world are the ones who socialize and stay close to the people they love and who feel loved and needed in return. Having friends will boost your well-being and provide you with the support you need during the most dire and difficult situations. Remember: even when things look very dark in your life, you can find the energy and inspiration to hang in there and get your life back together. Being a member of a vibrant community helps build and add to a happy, healthy
lifestyle.

“Happiness is not the absence of problems;
it’s the ability to deal with them.”
-
Steve
Maraboli

Without a doubt one of the highlights in my life was to be chosen as a torch bearer in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. It was that once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it was wonderful to run my stage of the relay in my own neighbourhood of West Vancouver. On February 10 at 7:45 p.m., I ran along Marine Drive between 15th and 17th
streets.

Three Canadian cities have played a role in my life: I was born and raised in Smuts, Saskatchewan; I raised my children and developed my teaching career in New Westminster; and now I am enjoying my retirement in West
Vancouver.

My home town of Smuts was named by an executive of the Canadian National Railway after a British army officer when a railroad track was built from Melfort to Saskatoon. Although I called it home for almost 25 years and it was where I started my teaching career in a little one-room schoolhouse, I left town soon after I married only to return again as a visitor with my children for summer holidays. Like a number of other prairie towns, Smuts died out after train service was removed. The two grain elevators were closed, and the schools soon followed. This is the sad history of many towns and villages across Canada. Once the economic lifeblood of the community is removed, followed by the loss of townspeople, they quickly become ghost
towns.

A number of years ago, someone reported the sighting of actual ghosts in Smuts. This report brought thrill seekers who caused a great deal of damage and vandalism to the old grocery store, the hotel, and to the church. Luckily, the teenage vandals were caught and punished. If there was an apparition sighted, it was most likely one of my cousins who lives in the neighborhood and who took on the responsibility of caring for the church. St. John the Baptist, a beautiful church considered a heritage site, can be seen like a beacon from miles
around.

In the first chapter of my book, I recounted some early family memories. A family is the smallest unit of an organized community, and the need for solidarity and respect for each member means a willingness to cooperate. A family is a mini-community that is magically bonded together by ties of affection, loyalty, and mutual
respect
.

Of my 10 siblings, I am the only one still alive today. I think of my brothers and sisters fondly and consider myself fortunate to have loved each and every one of them. As the middle child in a large family, I occupied an excellent position to know and appreciate their different qualities and
personalities.

This photo was taken at the 1986 Shawaga Family Reunion. Front row l to r: Mike, Steve, Matt, Jean Burdeniuk, Anne Korpan, John. Standing l to r: Olga Kotelko, Phyllis Gutiw, Kay Chomyn. Missing are dad and mom, of course, and eldest sister Mary Parchewsky and youngest brother
Alex.

After my eldest brother Mike retired from farming, he built and operated a general store. He was an excellent manager. He became a successful entrepreneur in Saskatoon, buying older homes, refurbishing them, and reselling them. He lived to be 90 years and 4
months.

I always looked up to my eldest sister, Mary, who was a gracious lady. Everything that she did was a masterpiece, and cooking was her specialty. I thoroughly enjoyed working with her in her home and learning from her all that I now know about food preparation, sewing, knitting, and crocheting. Mary was also a successful entrepreneur. She demonstrated leadership, was a great mentor, and always had time to give advice and assistance. My interest in reflexology came from Mary. I miss her
dearly.

Anne was great fun, and we shared a lot of laughs together. We always enjoyed shopping for bargains at garage sales and second-hand stores. She had a good eye for Canadian furniture and antiques of all sorts. Anne organized and hosted many great parties and was always a helpful
friend.

Sister Jean was the great family seamstress. She loved to crochet and was good at creating new and different dress patterns for our mother and sisters. Jean liked to sew similar dresses for her and me. Once we attended a country barn dance dressed alike. I still remember the magenta velvet dress embroidered with beads that she sewed for me so that I would be pretty for my first day at school. She was a real
treasure.

As I mentioned previously, our father had acquired a lot of land. Brother John was the farmer in the family. John and my other brother, Matt, would walk seven miles to a dance, enjoy the festivities all night long and then walk back home. After changing from their best clothes, they went to feed the horses and then got ready to spend the rest of the day out on the
fields.

I recall one Christmas when I returned home from Saskatoon for the holidays. John and his friends came to meet me at the Smuts train station with a big sleigh pulled by two horses. As he drove home, he intentionally made a sharp turn very quickly, tipping over the sleigh and me under it. What fun! Luckily nobody was hurt, and I will always remember that sleigh ride and brother John, the
prankster.

My brother Matt loved sugar. It was his elixir. He would wait around after supper until everybody had settled down to read, do homework, work on puzzles, or play cards, and he would discreetly open the cupboard and help himself to a spoonful of sugar. I caught him once, and he made me promise not to tell on him. I can do so now, Matt. He worked hard on the land and was a great helper to our parents. He was a kind soul, liked by everybody, and fun to have around. Matt was also a hell of a good baseball player. I believe it was because of Matt that our baseball team was the champion in the school
district.

Brother Steve was the comedian, the entertainer in the family, and he loved horses. During the family reunion, he recalled how sad it was during the Depression to see the horses grow so thin. Steve loved to get out of work whenever and wherever. He wanted to play, which was often. One evening, he proceeded to put on a bicycle exhibition. He made the bike move forward as he stood on the seat with his hands on the handlebars. That was a great show for an 8-year-old. He could also hit homeruns in
baseball.

Phyllis, the actress, had the talent to write, choreograph, and act out a skit or play that would include most of the 30-40 children in our rural schoolhouse. She provided the Friday afternoon entertainment that ended our school week. Phyllis was the jack-of-all-trades, a hostess, teacher, and provider. She was also handy around the house: always able to fix and repair things. Later in life, Phyllis became an hotelier: family and friends from afar knew where they could stay in Saskatoon when they came to
visit.

Sister Kay was kind and polite, gentle and sweet. She was a cheerful companion who had a lot of friends.
Princess
Kay was the best name for her. Kay liked to coordinate what we would be wearing, from eyeglasses and even to the colour of our socks. She loved to entertain and to socialize. Very often I think how much fun we had. She died far too
young.

The youngest of the Shawaga munchkins was Alex. One morning, Alex complained about his porridge because he didn’t want to go to school that day. He wanted to eat rice. Mother knew the reason behind his act. She tricked him by saying she would serve him some other kind of breakfast. He decided better of his decision, ate the porridge, and hurried off to catch up with the rest of us. Alex was a happy and cheerful fellow. He was an exceptional athlete, bringing home more ribbons than the rest of us
combined.

We all enjoyed sports from an early age. We played baseball in the summer, and wore out our sleds and skates in the winter. We were always moving. And, of course, there were all those daily farm chores like milking 15 cows by hand, separating 5-7 large pails of milk, washing clothes by hand on the scrub board, and then walking the two miles to school. My family benefitted from a healthy lifestyle and our motto was “
Work hard/ Play
hard”.

Believe it or not, I really enjoyed ironing, especially men’s white dress shirts. You may think: “What a thing to enjoy!” But I became good at it, much to the benefit of my father and five brothers. With so many men in the family, there was a lot of ironing. Remember, this was before electricity. I used a flat iron heated on a wood burning
stove.

I don’t remember whose idea it was, but we decided it was time for a family reunion. In July, 1986, the Shawaga clan reunited to celebrate the 85th anniversary of our family’s arrival in Canada. It was a grand event and attracted 200 immediate family members from across North America. The three-day weekend included a family supper, dance, talent show, as well as organized games, photo sessions, and a breakfast with bread baked in a newly built outdoor clay
oven.

There was a lot of laughter mingled with a few tears as I reunited with my brothers and sisters. Mom and dad were sorely missed. The 1986 family reunion was an opportunity for us to relive those happy early years, the “good old days”. We recaptured the true flavour of early family life on the farm. We spent days building a
peech
, the outdoor oven, pioneer style, in a field adjacent to the church. The smell of homemade bread wafting from an outdoor oven is medicine for the soul. The
peech
would be our
legacy.

A frame was molded into a tunnel shape. Stomping feet were used to knead the clay, straw, and water into mud. The mud was then used to cover the tunnel inside and out, leaving one end open as the oven door. I was elected to work on the inside, and I remember the mud collapsed on me a couple of times. But perseverance by all got the job done. Next came the drying process that consisted of building low fires for a few days until the
peech
was
dry.

To bake in the oven, we built a large fire and then we removed the hot, white coals. The baker checked the oven periodically until the temperature was just right for baking. On reunion day, the
peech
was put to the test and passed beautifully. We enjoyed freshly baked, homemade bread as well as beet-leaf
holubtsy
, called
beetnicks
.

Our large, happy, family event was documented by second and third generation family members, Anne Gutiw, Carol Issel and Bernice
Shawaga.

Family ties and connections were always of great importance to all Shawaga family members. In July 1986, over 200 family members from all across North America congregated at the small town of Smuts, which was the hub of family activity 100 years ago, and on that
weekend.

This town is about one mile from the original Shawaga homestead. Three generations were represented: the children of Anna and Wasyl Shawaga, their grandchildren and great grandchildren. We assembled to appreciate our family heritage; our strengths and successes were a legacy from our original immigrant
homesteaders.

Three days over the weekend included a family supper, dance, talent show and organized games, photo sessions and a breakfast with bread baked in a newly built outdoor clay oven. All family members enjoyed visiting and reacquainting themselves with stories of the “good old
days”.