The transition from high school to university athletics can be challenging for a first-year player. Brought to you in partnership with TDF Sports, we’re featuring a first-year athlete from each of our seven varsity sports each month this season. This month we take a closer look at swimmer Martine Nyhof and her path to the AUS!
Martine came to Dalhousie from Mississauga Ontario, early in her career, Martine swam long distance freestyle and butterfly but would eventual mature into more of a sprinter, specializing in backstroke and freestyle. Martine is currently enjoying her tenth-year swimming.
Q: Who is somebody you looked up to growing up?
A: Growing up I always looked up to Kylie Masse. She is a previous world record holder and Olympic backstroke swimmer for the University of Toronto. Seeing how hard she would work in training and the drive she showed in competition was inspiring.
Q: What is your most memorable moment in your career so far?
A: My most memorable moment was competing in the 2016 Olympic Trials in Toronto. The competitive environment was exhilarating and having the support of my friends and family behind me was an experience I don’t think I’ll ever forget.
Q: What made you choose Dalhousie University?
A: I decided to commit to Dal after I visited the campus on a recruiting trip last November. I met the team and from the beginning they were so welcoming and seemed very tightly knit. They’ve never stopped encouraging me and I see them as a second family.
Q: What are some differences you’ve noticed competing on an AUS team compared to previous teams?
A: Swimming on an AUS team has given my performance a greater sense of meaning. I’m not just swimming for myself, I’m swimming for the Tigers and my performance impacts my teammates. This also makes supporting my teammates so crucial because their success is also mine.
Q: What makes you love the sport of swimming?
A: One of the reasons I love swimming so much is because of how much we train. I’m in the pool and gym so frequently that it’s become a part of who I am. Another reason I love swimming is that it allows me to be surrounded by people who all share a similar passion with whom I can succeed.
Martine has loved her time at Dalhousie so far. She says she feels supported and encouraged through all the ups and downs of being a first-year varsity athlete. She has particularly enjoyed meeting new friends on the swim team and in her residence.
Recently Martine took second place at the 2019 Kemp-Fry Invitational and qualified for a berth at the national championships.
Fast fact questions:
Favourite food? Steak
Favourite professional athlete? Kylie Masse
Favourite sports team? Toronto Raptors
What do you want to be when you grow up? I’m still feeling my way but right now I am looking at health care or medicine.