NAIG 2014 Profiles: Taylor Morris
- Jeanelle Mandes | June 27, 2014
TAYLOR MORRIS
RESERVE: GEORGE GORDON FIRST NATION
AGE: 17
SPORT: ATHLETICS (HIGH JUMP, LONG JUMP)
Taylor Morris, from the George Gordon First Nation, is excited to play in the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) this year.
She made it into the athletics event specializing in high jump and long jump. Morris says she was surprised when she found out that she made it for Team Saskatchewan.
"I cried; it made my day. I felt like I achieved so much," says Morris.
She says she attended her first summer games event last year and knew this is what she loved doing.
"I attended the summer games in 2013 and we won. That was my first time trying out in track and it inspired me to go to NAIG. When I got in, I was beyond happy and it motivates me to do better," she says.
She says she hasn't been training lately due to the weather but when it starts warming up, she says she will be working hard. Morris trains with her buddy Tianna Longman, who will also be playing in NAIG this year.
"I run a lot and I practice my jumping at the elementary school on the reserve," says Morris.
Morris' parents and coach has helped and motivated to reach for her goals.
"My family and I wanted to prove to myself and to others that I'm not as lazy as I may seem and that I'm actually good at sports. My parents were all good at sports when they were younger," says Morris.
Morris is looking forward on meeting new people and seeing old friends at NAIG. She attends a non-First Nations school in Raymore, SK and says it will be a change being amongst many Indigenous athletes.
Morris lost loved ones a few months back and has turned those experiences into motivational fuel to strive further.
"My grandma was my rock but I do everything I can for the people I lost because I know she's looking down on me. She'll have something to be more proud of," she says.
She is undecided on what she wants to do after graduation but she wants to focus on working with her family.
"In the fall, Im going to be a professional hunting guide with my dad and my baby brother."
Whether it's being with family or playing for NAIG, Morris has set achievable goals for her to stay focused. She hopes to have a fun time but yet to work hard while she's at the upcoming games.
"My hopes are to bring home a gold medal and I want to try breaking the record in my events."
Her advice to the youth wanting to purse a passion in sports is to believe in yourself.
"Even if people doubt you, you can still have so much to prove. People doubted me and people still do. It motivates you so much more to push forward and to achieve what you want."
Be sure to check out more NAIG athlete profiles on our Interviews or Sports page.