International
Getting to know your Team Canada 2019 FISU Winter Universiade athletes: Jessica Iles, Curling
U SPORTS sits down with the athletes set to don the maple leaf at the World University Games in Krasnoyarsk, Russia in our interview series “Getting to know…”
- Name: Austin White
- School: University of British Columbia Okanagan
- Sport (years): Snowboard Cross (9 years)
- Program: Human Kinetics
- Hometown: Oyama, B.C.
1. What are your thoughts on representing Team Canada at a major international event, and most specifically at the 2019 FISU Winter Universiade?
I’m just extremely grateful for the opportunity to attend this Universiade. Representing Canada at international events is something that athletes strive their entire career for, so really I see this as one of the top competitions of my career, because what more is there after getting the opportunity to represent Team Canada?
Attending these Games in particular is very special, as it’s something my entire school as a community has been able to support me with, and has made me feel very special to be going to Russia. In a way, it feels like I’m representing my school and my community just as much as I’m representing Canada.
2. Is this the first time you have been selected to represent Canada on the international stage or at the Universiade? Current track record (national and/or international)?
I’ve previously competed at World Junioe Championships for Canada, as well as the previous 2017 Winter Universiade held in Almaty, Kazakhstan where I placed sixth.
3. What are you most looking forward to in Krasnoyarsk, Russia outside of the competition?
I’m really excited to see the culture. Getting immersed with the people, their traditions, their food, and their way of living is something that I’m really looking forward to. I love being culture shocked.
4. What are your personal and/or team goals for this Universiade?
After the last Universiade where I placed sixth, it showed me I can compete with everyone at this event. So this year, I’m going in with a hope of bringing home hardware, but with snowboard cross you never know what will happen. I’m just so grateful to be attending these Games and representing Canada that no matter how I do, I’m not going to be disappointed.
5. Do you have a nickname in your sport?
No but I want one.
6. What are you listening to right now / what is your pump-up music?
Guns and Roses.
7. Current favorite TV show?
Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
8. What message would you like to share with Team Canada followers / the U SPORTS community?
Even a little support goes a long way for an athlete and a team. Whether it’s supporting through media, financially, or just a simple “you got this” text, it all goes so much farther than what you realize.