Avery Pearson addresses an audience as they welcome her back from the 2021 World Athletics U20 Championships. (Elliott Knopp/meadowlakeNOW staff)

By Elliott Knopp

Avery Pearson

Meadow Lake welcomes back local track and field athlete

Aug 27, 2021 | 2:00 PM

With a late August sunset shining over the community, residents in Meadow Lake gathered at the PineRidge Ford Theatre to welcome home local track and field standout Avery Pearson.

The young woman had just come off of a performance at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya. She placed seventh in the world finals, setting a personal best time of 2:06.42 in the women’s 800-metre run.

The outdoor theatre’s stage was decorated with a large sign congratulating her on her performance, and star-shaped balloons displaying her new best run time.

A small panel made up of two speakers led by emcee Regan Beck came prepared to share their sentiments at the event. One of which was Meadow Lake Mayor Merlin Seymour, who spoke on behalf of city council.

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“I would like to congratulate Avery Pearson for fulfilling her passion at the world level,” he said. “We all look forward to seeing what the future might bring for you.”

Personal coach Jesse Shakotko spoke on Pearson’s ability to inspire as a local athlete competing in a world event.

He said the joy she displays when training and competing has the ability to inspire many people across the community, not only to purse their passions, but to do so at a high level.

“I am so grateful for a young woman who has risen above and shows young people, in particularly young women, that they can accomplish great things.”

“We are not limited because of where we live… in Meadow Lake.”

He concluded his address by stating his belief that Pearson has the skill and potential to compete at future Olympic events.

In an interview with meadowlakeNOW, Pearson shared her appreciation for a community that came together to welcome her back following her world-class competition.

“At the championships, you’re really competing at a high level. There’s a lot of nerves, and coming down from that,” she shared. “It’s really nice to come home to well wishes and a supportive community.”

Looking back at her performance, Pearson explained how she was able to string together three consecutive performances throughout the event, adding the competition was demanding.

“Running three 800s in three days isn’t easy, but I was able to refocus my mind each time, and it can be hard to do in a final’s situation,” she shared.

“To come out with a [personal best], even if I couldn’t come out with a win, you can’t really complain about running the fastest you’ve ever ran, it was pretty exciting.”

Pearson will attend the University of Saskatchewan in the fall where she will compete with the Huskies as a member of the cross-country & track and field teams.

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elliott.knopp@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp