Meet Athlete Hillary Birkett

Special Olympics Team BC 2024: Speed Skating
Hillary speed skating on the ice

Special Olympics BC Local

Surrey

Hometown

Surrey

When and how did you get involved with Special Olympics?

I joined Special Olympics when I was seven years old. The first sports I joined were figure skating and rhythmic gymnastics. Later on, I joined athletics and speed skating. A friend suggested to my mom that we look into Special Olympics.

Will these be your first Special Olympics Canada Games? If not, which other National Games did you compete in, and in what sports?

This will be my first National Games.

What were your results in the 2023 Special Olympics BC Winter Games? How did you feel about your performance?

I won three gold medals and two silver medals for my Local.

What does it mean to you to be part of Special Olympics Team BC 2024?

The Special Olympics athletes are like family. When we compete, we cheer for each other. We celebrate when our fellow athletes win, and we support each other when someone does not win. We are all part of a large team. 

What is your goal for these National Games?

At National Games, I hope to set new personal best numbers and represent my Local and my province the best I can. 

What does competing at National Games mean to you?

Competing at National Games will allow me to compete against athletes from other parts of Canada. I hope I will make new friendships and bring home medals for my Local.

What do you like most about the sport you will compete in at National Games?

As a track athlete and figure skater, I love speed skating. Speed skating allows me to race on the ice. I find skating to be calming and exciting. 

What would you tell someone about Special Olympics to encourage them to get involved?

Special Olympics athletes are like family. We celebrate and support each other. I am always happy to introduce Special Olympics to new athletes.

Please tell us a little bit more about yourself! What else would you like people to know about you?

Surrey is my hometown. Along with speed skating, I am a track and field athlete and figure skater. My favourite track and field events are the 1500m and the 3000m. I represented my local region at the 2019 BC Winter Games (figure skating) and the 2022 BC Summer Games (track and field). Ice sports are my passion. Being on the ice for any sport makes me feel free. When I was 10 months old, I would sit on the ice and watch my brother in his lessons. When I turned three, I began weekly lessons. I began figure skating when I was 7 years old.

What is one word you would use to describe yourself? :)

Determined!

 

SO TEAM BC 2024 ROSTER

SO TEAM BC 2024 HOMEPAGE