Local athlete Haylin Eling is a newcomer to throwing in track and field but is already number 2 in her zone provincially and has qualified for the Alberta Summer Games taking place later this month.
The Alberta Summer Games are being held July 19-22 in Grande Prairie.
In the tail end of her Grade 9 experience, Eling gave throwing a try and proved to be proficient in the sport.
“I think it’s been a big step in my life personally just being able to figure out what I’m now good at. It’s a big accomplishment for me,” said Eling.
Her coach, Rachel Andres, has been throwing for 22 seasons, coaching for 12 seasons and coaching in Olds for five. She is proud to not only coach Haylin who is number 2 in her zone but also coaching an athlete from Airdrie who is also number 1 in their zone.
Andres has enjoyed coaching Eling and was blown away by her level of talent in the sport, given that this is her first effort at the sport.
“She is really coachable and learns quickly; she’s quicker than a lot of the other athletes I’ve coached,” Andres said. “She picks up on the techniques faster than a lot of the other kids have.”
After a successful season during the school year, Eling qualified for the Alberta Summer Games and recognizes how impressive that is.
“I was super happy (about qualifying) and super excited. I was so proud of myself just because I only picked it up this year.
“I went to all these track meets, it’s the first time I’ve done it and I was asked to participate in all four (throwing) events,” Eling said.
Andres shares excitement about Eling's accomplishment and is optimistic about her future in the sport.
“I am very proud of her right now. This is awesome and I’m excited to see where she goes in the future with this.
“She and my number 1 athlete, if they stick with it, could be number 1 and number 2 in the country in a couple of years,” Andres said.
Andres doesn’t only coach but also still competes. She recently set a new provincial record for discus throwing, sits at number 2 in Canada and will be competing at the Canadian National Track and Field Championships July 3-8.
Andres' training includes weight lifting three days a week, training outside five days a week.
When Eling trains, she is out at the rings for three hours and does drills along with her throwing. She noted that she eats well and sleeps well as she is a multisport athlete, playing volleyball and soccer.
Looking to next season, Eling hopes to throw in the 40-metre range for discus and is ready for the hard work that it will take to achieve that as well as qualify for nationals.
Andres indicated that she intends to start a club here in Olds and is in search for coaches for the non-throwing sports.
