Ottawa Lions Esther Akinsule and Sultana Frizell have little in common besides being born in the same year. However, when it comes to athletic goals, both have exactly the same one – to medal at the 2012 Olympics in London. And if their recent results are any indication, both athletes are well on their way to achieving this.

Below, get to know Esther and Sultana.

Esther Akinsulie

Birthdate: April 22, 1984
Birthplace: Winnipeg, MB
Residence: Ottawa, ON
Height: 177 cm / 5’10”
Weight: 59 kg / 130 lbs
Events: 200m, 400m, 4x400m
Coach: Hugh Conlin
High school: A.Y. Jackson S.S.
University: Carleton
Field of Study: Psychology
Occupation: Athlete/Student

When and how did you get into running?
I was always involved in track from elementary school and up. Going into high school I was playing basketball and was just doing track for fun. It wasn't until my first year of university that I decided to focus solely on track.

What is your training schedule like?
Depending on where I am in my season, my training varies. But for the most part I train five to six days a week for two to three hours at the track. I also do other things away from the track to help support the work I do on the track.

What is your favourite event and why?
My favorite event to watch would be sprint hurdles.
I enjoy competing in both the 200m and 400m. I like how the 200m is more about pure speed and how the 400m is more about running efficiently.

Do you have a pre-event ritual?
I don't really have any pre-event rituals. I just do the same routine every time I warm up.
I jog a lap and a half or two laps, then do sprint drills, strides, stretch, some more strides – first without spikes, then with them - then I just wait to race.

What do you think about as you line up in the starting blocks?
When I am at the start line, I think about the race I am about to run. As soon as the starter calls 'on your marks', if I am feeling a little too excited or nervous I calm myself down by not really thinking about anything.

What are your sport career goals?
My goals are to be a top contender in my event. I want to go to the 2012 Olympic Games in London and medal. I also want to continue to be national champion and to break the Canadian 400m record.

Describe what it is like to compete for Canada on the international stage?
I am proud to represent Canada at competitions. There's this thrill of excitement when you are at an international competition wearing the Canadian uniform.

What are your interests outside of sport?
I enjoy baking, hanging out with friends, traveling, and reading.

What are your plans when your sport career is over?
I would like to get into business or health care.

What have you learned in sport that you apply to other aspects of your life?
That you need to be able to adapt well to different situations and people and you need to have patience.

PERSONAL BEST

PAST PERFORMANCES
2009

2008

Sultana Frizell

Birthdate: October 24, 1984
Birthplace: Perth, ON
Residence: Kamloops, BC
Height: 178 cm / 5’11”
Event: Hammer Throw
Coach: Dr. Anatoliy Bondarchuk
High school: Perth & District Collegiate Inst.
University: Undecided
Field of Study: Undecided
Occupation: Athlete

How did you get into throwing?
I became interested in throwing events during high school. My dad got a dinner plate for a discus, a rock for a shot, and a broomstick for javelin. That was my first lesson on throwing before my first high school competition. While at that meet, a teacher from another school came up to me and told me that I had potential and should go to the Ottawa Lions and see Joe Burke. From there, Joe decided with my figure skating background that I should try hammer throw, but there was a test. The HARD test that he wanted to put me through was to spin around really, really, really fast and then walk a straight line. I laughed at him, like all snotty teenagers do, and did the test exactly as he said. This was my first initiation to hammer throwing. Maybe Athletics Canada should orchestrate a sobriety test for all potential hammer throwers!

What is your training schedule like?
I train five days per week with two sessions per day. My two days off are taken up with a rehabilitation regime, to make sure my body does not fall apart.

What is your favourite event and why?
Obviously hammer, because it takes strength, balance, and impeccable timing to execute a good throw … I like that a million things can go wrong, but when it goes right it is an unbelievable feeling, as soon as you release the hammer you just know that it is going far! Also, Steeplechase because someone always gets wet!

Do you have a pre-event/pre-throw ritual?
I usually listen to techno music before I go into the call room. It gets me pumped up and relaxed before I head into the dragons den.

What do you think about as you prepare to throw?
I am constantly visualizing before I go to throw, but during the throw I am not thinking! Bad things happen when I do.

What are your sport career goals?
To be a medalist at the 2012 Olympics in London!

Describe what it is like to compete for Canada on the international stage?
I am not sure how I can describe it, but I feel very proud that I represent Canada. Our country is well received around the world and I enjoy that I have friends from different countries.

What are your interests outside of sport?
If I knew how to ride a horse I would be a barrel racer. I love going to, and watching rodeos. I am a country girl at heart. I did grow up in the Ottawa Valley! I love boating, patios, hanging out with friends, and all kinds of music.

What are your plans when your sport career is over?
No plans so far.

What have you learned in sport that you apply to other aspects of your life?
Well, I like to think I learn something new everyday, but whether or not I apply it to my daily life is another story. Sport has been a key part of my life for so long that I like to think that the best parts of my personality have come from my sport career. I think the biggest lesson that I have learned is believing in myself – that I can do anything I want to.

PERSONAL BEST

PAST PERFORMANCES
2009

2008