First Year Feature: Welsey MacMillan

How long have you been running? 

4 years competitively, but I have run all my life through other sports and elementary school cross country along with going for jogs with my mom. 

How did you start running or get into it?  

I was always a good runner as a kid but coming into high school I wanted to bulk and get physically stronger, so I joined the football team instead of continuing my two best sports: cross country and soccer. Which was fun but then when spring came around, I gave Track and Field a try and I loved the CCI team and coaches, and since that point I have fallen in love with the sport. 

Did you play any other sports growing up? 

Yes, I played many other sports growing up. The main sport was alpine skiing. My entire family has always been super invested into skiing, with many of my family members being level 4 instructors or coaches, including my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and parents. So, obviously I was put into ski racing where I competed at a high level until I was 16, and now I coach u14 kids. The next sport I played growing up was soccer. This was my favorite sport for most of my life, and I still love to play. Some other sports I played was basketball, football, water skiing and ultimate frisbee. 

Who is somebody in the running community you admired growing up and why? 

I really looked up to my coaches at my high school and running club. Mrs. Geier, Mr. Hammond, and Mr. Cockell were all amazing coaches. I especially look up to Mr. Cockell because he is a retired teacher and lives nearly 6 hours from our school, yet he still comes back to Collingwood to coach our team, set up the races, and support us. I also look up to Bob who is my club coach, although he puts me through lots of pain, I credit a lot of my success to him.  

What is the most memorable moment in your career so far?  

My most memorable moment of my career was without a doubt medaling at OFSAA for Steeplechase. Since grade 9 track I always dreamed of being on the OFSAA podium. I had lots of up and down performances at OFSAA, but my last high school race was the finals for OFSAA Steeple, and I put my all out there and got 3rd like I had been dreaming for the past 3 years. 

What made you choose Dalhousie University? 

Honestly, when I first started looking at schools Dalhousie wasn't on my radar, I didn't even think of leaving Ontario, but one of my best friends Ben Mundle spoke so highly of the school and Rich reached out to me. So, I came out for a visit, and I was treated so well by the team, the students I met, and Rich that I instantly knew I would fit in great here. 

How has the transition from high school sports to university sports been for you so far? 

It has been great so far. It is very similar to high school sports where there's a strong sense of community within the team. We have gone to the beach and gone out for team parties, which is like my high school team where I met some of my closest friends. 

What are some of your interests outside of sports? 

I like hanging out with friends and family, going to my cottage, going for walks with my two pugs, watching movies, and I really enjoy napping. 

Any pre-event superstitions/routines? 

I am not a superstitious person, but one routine that I always need before my races is listening to music through my headphones. It helps calm me down and gives me a confidence boost that gets me locked in.  

Any hidden talents? 

I was never allowed to play video games growing up except for Minecraft, so I am a very skilled Minecraft builder, and I have a pretty sick creative world. 

Favourite food? 

Spaghetti  

Favourite movie?  

Interstellar  

Favourite warm-up song or current favourite song?  

Outro 

Favourite professional athlete or team? 

Toronto Raptors - Kyle Lowry 

If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?  

My cottage