Olympic journeys start now
Kelowna Olympians talk about what it takes to reach global stage
Dozens of fans gathered in downtown Kelowna on Wednesday afternoon to welcome home Olympic athletes Kelsey Serwa and Tess Critchlow.
“It’s awesome getting to see everyone from Kelowna who’s given me so much support at the Olympics,” said Critchlow, who competed in the women’s snowboard cross in PeyongChang.
PeyongChang was Critchlow’s first time at the Olympics and, for her, walking into the opening ceremonies with her teammates was a surreal experience.
“That was definitely one of my favourite parts, just seeing all the red jackets and the maple leafs,” she said.
With her first Olympics behind her, Critchlow said she is working towards Beijing 2022.
“I definitely want to experience it again,” she said. “I really want to get back and go to China and see if I can pull off some better results.”
During a question-and-answer session with Serwa and Critchlow, one kid in the audience asked about getting to the Games.
“The cool thing is the road to the Olympics can start right here for you today if you want to,” said Serwa, who won a gold medal at the 2018 Olympics in women’s ski cross.
“You have to be passionate about going out and not be afraid to work hard, to participate in as many sports as you can, to stay on top of your schoolwork, and . . . if your heart is fully into it and you’re having fun and you love it, you’ll find a way.”
While Serwa was planning to retire at the end of the season this year, she is going to continue competing for another year, she said, adding she will be attending UBC Okanagan in the fall.
Cathie Pavlik was one of many fans who came out to support the athletes, and particularly Serwa, who was a former student of hers at KLO Middle School.
“We’re just so happy for her,” said Pavlik. “She brings out that spirit that everybody hopes to have in life and it’s really nice to be a part of it, even if it’s just cheering her on. She’s an amazing person and it couldn’t happen to a better individual.”