Its not too often that a small community gets the opportunity to support a local athlete, but that is what local Bragg Creek residents get to do through the efforts of The Bav Tav (Bavarian Inn).
Local 3rd generation athlete Brooklyn McDougall is headed to Beijing to represent Canada in the woman’s long track speed skating in the 500m event. Brooklyn started speed skating only 8 years ago and has quickly proven herself as a fierce competitor, now ranked top Canadian female in the 500m discipline.
She grew up playing hockey, always carrying the Olympic dream in her heart. Through a conversation with her mom, the encouragement of one of her hockey coaches, and a skills identification coach, her rise as an Olympic athlete is now a reality. It not only shows her determination and commitment as a competitor, but reveals how family, community, and how we posture and support our young people in the community matter.
Brooklyn’s heart is in her community. She speaks highly of the local support and grounding it has brought her. Her grandfather Wayne McDougall homesteaded in the area in 1958. Having a place to come back to in amongst her busy schedule of volunteering, finishing a degree, and obviously training and competing keeps her grounded. Knowing this legacy gives her a sense of responsibility to give back to others and be a positive role model to those around her.
The last few years haven’t been easy training through COVID. Dealing with mechanical issues at the Olympic oval, creating a home gym in Bragg Creek, but then maybe the adversity has made her a stronger person. I personally believe it was the oval ice in Redwood which allowed a new twist to speed skating training. Uphill and downhill skating with a hint of yoga, or shall we say, balancing through the uneven ice.
Pam and Charlie, long time family friends have found a very creative way to support Brooklyn through The Bav Tav, that will hopefully rally both the local community, and those visiting from the surrounding area. Above being a bronze sponsor, a $1 from every entree goes to support Brooklyn while she competes in Beijing. Hopefully this local showing of support will continue to knit our rural communities together and be an example of how we can provide a foundation for our young people to succeed in whatever direction life takes them.
Good luck Brooklyn
High Country News
