Honour Roll
Maggie Smith
On a cool and wet morning in June 2017, Maggie Smith turned many heads when she rounded the Beazley Field track in Halifax en route to crushing the 1,500m and 3,000m provincial intermediate highschool records. The middle-distance runner, who trains under Rich and Hannah Lehman of Halifast Athletics Club, has since had quite the year. She was the Youth 800m gold medallist at the Legion National Youth Track and Field Championship two months later, and showcased her range when she nabbed bronze in the youth girls’ 6k at the Canadian Cross-Country Championships in the fall. We talk to Smith about music, role models and what workout turns her stomach upside down.
What is your first running memory?
Running with my dad when I was younger. He ran a bunch of marathons like Boston and New York. We used to run races together and hold hands at the finish line. Sometimes we still run together, but most of the time, I would rather run by myself.
Who do you look up to in the running world, and why?
Melissa Bishop. The times she has posted over 800m are insanely fast. It was a thrill to watch her fight for a medal spot at the 2016 Olympics. Her level of competitiveness is something I strive for, and I wish her luck in her next chapter and pregnancy.
When you read this in 10 years, what do you hope to have accomplished by then?
Right now, I am just focusing on the upcoming summer and the outdoor season. An aspiration of mine is to represent Canada, but my ultimate goal is simply to push as hard and run as fast as I can. I hope to be in this sport for the long run.
What song would you pick to play as you stepped onto the track at the Olympics?
Def initely “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen. It has become the last song I listen to before every meet. My dad even plays it in the car when I get nervous before races.
What’s your favourite workout and why?
Three sets of 400m–200m–200m at 800m pace. When I hear that I have to run that workout, I feel a mix of emotions. It is a hard workout to nail because the paces are fast, but when I do run it well I get motivated and excited about what is to come.