KIEFER PAUL

AGE: 18

RESERVE: ONE ARROW FIRST NATION

SPORT: TRACK AND FIELD U19

Kiefer Paul, from One Arrow First Nation, is the winner of a gold and bronze medal competing in athletics at the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) in Regina. 

He was surprised when he won these two medals - something that he wasn't expecting. 

"The bronze medal I got from Shot Put and a gold medal I got in Discus," he says. 

"I felt overwhelmed. I didn't expect to place in shot put, and it was more less a back up and when I got here, I kind of hurt myself on the first throw. So from there, I didn't think I could do it. A lot of talking from good coaches told me I could do it. I ended up placing bronze and in gold - most of my motivation came from my son," he adds.

Paul was overwhelmed and happy when he found out that he made it for Team Saskatchewan to compete in the sport. 

"“I was more overwhelmed than anything. I didn't think something like that would happen. The moment I found out, I was right into training. I knew I had to come here to compete and do my best."

He said he started doing exercises on the bike, weight-lifting and a lot of cardio exercises; he'd train two-three times a week and practicing his throws everyday. 

He says he loved his first NAIG experience with so much to take in. 

"It's been awesome, the greatest experience I've ever had. I've done a lot of track and field and this has got to be the best. Even the sports, I've been to all the basketball and volleyball games. Just the atmosphere being here is amazing. Everybody is here to do one thing, to compete at their best. I think everyone brought it to the table," he says.

He plans on returning to NAIG not as an athlete but as a coach to help to keep the youth working towards a positive step in their lives. 

Be sure to check out more Athlete Profiles on our Interviews page.