Alicia Smith

Biography

Alicia Smith’s dream of representing Canada began when she was a gymnast and watching the Olympic Games on TV. In grade 12, she began competing in track and field as a fun extracurricular activity, but a second place finish in the triple jump at the OFSAA (Ontario high school) Championships got her hooked on her new sport. She was spotted by a coach at Take Flight Athletics and after joining the club, won a silver medal at the junior national championships. She also captured silver at the 2009 Canada Games. She went on to compete for the Western University Mustangs, winning a silver medal in the triple jump at the 2010 CIS Championships. Smith won triple jump silver medals at the 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Canadian Championships as well as a bronze in 2015.

PERSONAL

Family: Parents Andy Smith and Angela Murphy… Older brother Joel and Andre… Getting into the Sport: Participated in track and field in elementary school but didn’t become serious about it until she was 17, transitioning from competitive dance and gymnastics… Outside Interests: Pursuing her Masters in Kinesiology, specializing in Coaching, at Western University… In the off-season enjoys playing other sports such as basketball and soccer… Earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Bachelor of Education in primary/junior education… Odds and Ends: Inspired by Serena Williams’ competitive drive and will to succeed… Has a keychain of a dolphin made from rubber bands attached to her competition bag that was made by a young student she worked with in an after-school program and given to her before her first national championships… Favourite quote: “Each person must live their life as a role model for others.” – Rosa Parks…