Alanna Kovacs Narrative
There are not that many places in Simcoe County that one can train for throwing events. When Alanna was in High school, she was originally throwing off of the bus lane at St. Joe's until a circle was built in the field. She would then have to drive either to York University or Midland to be able to complete or train in an official throwing circle and runway. In 2012, Myself (Monique) and my husband built a throwing facility in our back yard that consisted of a concert throwing circle and a rubber javelin runway. We also bought weights so that a full training facility was possible. Alanna would train in her own back yard and as you can see in the CTV video for her Pan Am interview, that is where she grew as a thrower.
When Alanna graduated from university in 2012, there were not many coaches or funding opportunities in Canada for an outdoor track and field throwing event so Alanna was recruited to train at an Olympic Throws facility in Lethbridge, Alberta. While there, she trained with the current women's Canadian record holder in Javelin and had a lot of personal growth mentally and athletically. She moved back to Ontario in 2014 after a season ending injury and the training hub losing federal funding. Alanna continued to train and work during the 2014-2015 season where she ended her season and throwing career while representing her Country at the Pan Am games in Toronto.
Alanna was consistently a top competitor in the discus and javelin events in Ontario and Canada as you can see from the results and was always a welcomed participant at track meets where numerous coaches and athletes were her friends.
Furthermore, Discus and Javelin are not normally a throwing combo but due to Alanna's multi sport upbringing, she was athletically inclined to be able to excel at two very different body movements.
Alanna has competed at the highest levels of sport but has never forgotten the reasons why she got involved in sports. She truly loved the training, the environment, the sense of purpose and achievement. She also knew that she did have unique opportunities and always took the time and energy to assist and support others who were just starting their journey through sport. She assisted with coaching newer athletes and helped them to be incorporated into the training environment. Whether she was captain or just another member of a training group her leadership and dedication always shone through. Alanna also showed great respect for not only the other competitors but the officials and meet organizers. Through her years she often returned to her roots and assisted in the running of the District Legion Meet for the up-and-coming athletes.
Alanna had a real belief in herself and the confidence to follow through on her convictions through many challenges including several injuries. After graduating from university, she still had a strong desire to continue her sporting journey. She packed up and drove herself to Lethbridge Alberta to continue her training at the National Training Centre with the National Coach with Athletics Canada. She trained there for 2 years establishing a new life, new supports and contributing to a new community. Due to circumstances beyond her control (changes instituted by Athletics Canada} the training centre was shut down. She still had belief in herself so moved home and continued to train towards her goal of competing at the 2015 Pan Am Games with her original coaches - her parents - (me} as her coach. Training out of the backyard and utilizing schools and other community facilities and with support from the local Track and Field Club (South Simcoe Dufferin Track and Field Club} Alanna qualified to compete at the Pan Am Games in discus.
Alanna has given back to the community even after retiring by assisting coaching new athletes and continues to be an ambassador for the sport whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Alanna has always led an athletic and active lifestyle by playing and participating a multitude of sports. She has played competitively and still participates in several sports such as:
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Volleyball
• Beach volleyball
• Badminton
• Snowboarding
• Tennis
• Flag football
Additionally, Alanna was a volunteer Firefighter in Springwater (Station 3, Minesing) from 2016-2019
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