Local athlete Kyra Christmas — scoring star of the Canadian women’s water polo team, productive import for a club in Greece — opens up about her mental-health challenges over the years. “I definitely still struggle with it.”
The Calgary Booster Club today announced the Athletes of the Year, based on performance during the 2021 calendar year, and Sportsperson of the Year.
Calgary swimmer Stephen Calkins has dedicated much of his life to racing. Always close to making a national team, he could never quite get there. So he decided to retire. Then something funny happened. “Kind of weird.”
Calgary teenager Ryann Perrett is barrelling into a busy stretch. Not that she’s complaining. With the Notre Dame Hounds, she’s currently participating in the Esso Cup. Immediately after that? She’s heading for Hockey Canada’s U18 selection camp. And, don’t forget, high school graduation is right around the corner.
Colton Hunchak’s evolution from draft-day afterthought to game-day contributor for the Stampeders is impressive. Now the local’s path to the CFL has become a blueprint for up-and-coming football players in Calgary.
Overcoming significant setbacks — burnout and a broken back — UCalgary runner is forging a brilliant career, recently dominating at the Canada West Conference and U Sports levels. Plus, his continued devotion to volunteer work is earning community recognition.
With a recent bout in Montreal, Steve Claggett ran his professional fight total to 40. Reaching a milestone like that is never straightforward. “Such a roller coaster,” is what he says. In conversation, the Calgarian runs through the highs and lows of his ongoing boxing career.
As we finalize the voting for our 2021 Athletes of the Year, we wanted to hear from you.
[Note: The award reflects the 2021 calendar year. For instance, the Toyko Olympics count; the Beijing Olympics do not.]
A decade ago, Melissa Paauwe embraced running — or should we say running embraced her? Now the Calgarian thrives on the paths and trails, explores various running-related ventures, volunteers for a number of groups.
Ski jumper Matt Soukup — one of four Calgarians on Canada’s mixed team — discusses the historic bronze in Beijing. From funding to facilities, the crew overcame obstacle after obstacle before its magic moment at the Olympics.
Hannah Kaminski had been a promising wrestler till her career was derailed by a shoulder injury. “Then weightlifting found me.” And now the Calgarian has qualified for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in England.
Calgary basketball referee retires after 40 years on the job — with 4,500 games under his belt. Son of an Olympic sprinter, Dick Vanderstam found his calling as an official on the local hoops scene.
Calgarian switches from hockey to speed skating in her mid-teens, works her way through the “roadblocks” of the past couple of years, and earns a spot at the Olympics in Beijing.
Calgarian, as video director of the Los Angeles Rams, becomes a Super Bowl champion. After attending Sir Winston Churchill High School and the University of Calgary, he started his football career by joining the Stampeders in 2004.
A conversation with Calgary’s Mike Soroka, who shares his thoughts on the MLB lockout, his return-to-play timetable, and experiencing the Atlanta Braves’ championship run.
A freestyle-skiing life appealed to Amy Fraser. The University of Calgary student loved the idea of skiing and travelling the world and having fun. So, at 22 years of age, she tried the sport and rode it all the way to the Olympic Games.
Recently named Flames Community Champion, Chris Cederstrand is someone who found ways to thrive after suffering a workplace accident. Now the sledge-hockey ace is devoting his life to helping others.
The Calgary Booster Club is proud of all our 2022 Winter Olympics Athletes and, in whatever way it can, will continue to support their dreams.
After qualifying for four straight Olympics and becoming Canada’s most decorated luger, Alex Gough is now president of Luge Canada and a full-time civil engineer.
The Calgary Booster Club is thrilled to see long-time board member and past president Don Buchignani inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame.