Name: Emma Norquay
Age: 13
Gender: Female
Sport: Judo
Second Language: I speak a little French.
Hometown: Invermere Zone Name: Kootenays (Zone 1)
1. Why are you committed to your sport?
I am committed because judo has now become an important part of my life, and my judo club has become part of my family.
2. What are your goals for these Games and in sport? My goals for the Games are to do my best and to make all of the people responsible for me going to the Games proud. I hope that I will continue to love and to be involved with judo for a very long time.
3. How did you train and prepare for the BC Winter Games? I have judo twice a week. Recently, I have started taking jujitsu classes as well. This has helped to work on my groundwork and endurance.
4. What are your other activities are you involved in (other sports, arts, volunteering)? I am involved with jujitsu, volleyball, church volunteer work and excessive reading.
5. Do you have any family members participating in these Games or who have participated in past BC Games or at national/international events? If yes, please provide details. My aunt, Cheryl Norquay, was a windsurfer who represented Zone 6 at the BC Summer Games 20+ years ago.
6. Please share any other interesting stories about you and your involvement in sport. In my club, the competitive athletes are all girls, with the exception of my little brother. I guess that's what makes our club unique.
7. Why did you want to try out and qualify for the 2014 BC Winter Games? So many people have told me that the Winter Games are so much fun. I thought it would be an amazing experience. I am looking forward to meeting other athletes from around our province.
8. Who is your coach and what is the most important thing she/he has taught you? I have many coaches who have all helped me to become the athlete I am today, including Hermann Mauthner, Karen Sharp, Jeanette Riches and Alex Munoz. The most important things they have taught me are that determination, hard work and sportsmanship are more important than winning. They have always supported and believed in me.
9. Do you have a role model who has made an impact on your life (coach, teacher, family member, etc.)? If so, describe how they have impacted you. I am inspired daily by the people in my life, like my coaches, teachers, family and friends. It was such a privilege to meet Antoine Valois-Fortier, the Canadian Bronze Medallist from the 2012 London Olympics.
It was amazing to see and hear how he started his judo career and then to watch video clips of his reaction when he won his last match. A dream becoming a reality IS possible. It could be for me, too.
10. What do you consider to be your highest achievement (athletic, academic, or other)? All of my huge achievements have been academic. I cannot think of my biggest one, though. Probably, my biggest achievement in judo is qualifying for the Winter Games.