TARYN MACKENZIE

AGE: 14

HOMETOWN: LA RONGE

TEAM SASK

SPORT: TRACK & FIELD U16

Taryn Mackenzie, winner of five gold medals in athletics, was happy that she made the time to try out for the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). She was excited when she found out that she made it for Team Saskatchewan. 

"I first got the news at the tryouts and I didn't think I was going to make it. It was kind of surreal that I made it."

She would train herself by going to the tracks back home and she would run three kilometers a day but there were days when she couldn't train because there were bears around the area she trained at. 

So far she has been enjoying her experience at the games including winning a few medals. 

"It was awesome and I've met a lot of good people and I love the competitions."

She says her Uncle Sam has been her biggest inspiration because he got her started in track and he pushed her hard to play the sport. 

Her message to the future NAIG athletes is to never doubt your talents and what you're capable of.