A local athlete has added another shiny medal to his athletic journey.
Merrittonian Bernard ‘Buzz’ Manuel has won a silver medal for long jump at the Canadian Master Athletics Outdoor Championships, which took place in Laval, Que.
“I was really excited. I’m a runner, so for me to come back with a medal, especially for a jumping event, I wasn’t expecting that,” Manuel said. “So for me to even rise to the challenge of trying a new event, I think that was pretty cool.”
But competing or winning medals aren’t new territory for Manuel, as he participated in numerous competitions prior to the one in Quebec.
“Last year they hosted nationals in Langley, I went down and ran the 100 to 400 and I came home with a bronze in the 400. So this year I wanted to continue on with that journey,” he added.
Manuel said that his motivation to keep competing comes from wanting to live as long as he can.
“I want to live as healthy as I can and I want to raise the awareness of the importance of health in our community,” he added. “The older I get, the more friends I have that I grew up with that aren’t as active anymore. So I want to inspire my friends, I want to inspire my family to keep moving and to keep being active.”
Working full time and being present in his three kids’ daily life didn’t stop Manuel from continuing to keep on training.
Manuel said during the competition, his goal was to do his best and not commit any faults.
“My goal was to not have a fault, because you’re allowed six attempts, right? I didn’t want to have six faults,” he said. “I was fortunate to have five recorded jumps and one fault, but my goal was just to do my best, to have fun.”
But after winning the silver medal, he is definitely aiming high, hoping to get a gold medal soon.
“Because I’ve taken (time) off for 15 years, the guys that are winning all the big running events, they haven’t stopped running,” Manuel said. “For me to get back up at that level, it’ll take some time, but I think I’ll be able to get there.”
Looking ahead, Manuel plans to continue training and competing, with an eye on future events.
“I want to win a medal in every province across Canada,” he said. “I have a medal in B.C., Ontario and Quebec now. Next month I’m going to Edmonton, at the Masters Alberta Indigenous Games.”
Manuel is also participating in the Canadian Masters Indoor Championships, happening in Winnipeg, Man., and in the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Track & Field Championships, happening in Regina.
“So if I’m able to win a medal at those next three events, then I’ll be able to have a medal from every province from B.C. to Quebec.”
Bernard Buzz Manuel poses with his silver medal. Photo/Bernard Buzz Manuel