Olga (25 page)

Mandela also believed that education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world. I aim to continue learning and developing my talents to their fullest and to stay consistent with them until I know or realize that it’s time to ease up and eventually stop. At the moment I have no intention to stop or even hesitate. I still have the energizer in action that keeps me healthy and
active.

After giving it some thought, I have decided that upon my death I will leave my body to medical science with the hope that by doing so I can continue teaching even after I am gone. Perhaps a scientist will unlock the secret of my energy—physical, mental, and spiritual. Where does this energy come
from?

Our body, mind, and spirit are constantly interrelating. This action produces the power that creates harmony and balance in our life. Body is physical, mind is mental, and spirit is emotional and spiritual. I arrived at this conclusion. I believe that my stamina, courage, tenacity, mental strength, and optimistic spirit come from my Christian faith. My parents set an amazing foundation for that faith. For me, my faith is very personal, and it is consistent with my desire to make a difference in the
world.

Faith, prayer, and spiritual beliefs play an important role in our lives, and in our health. As a Christian, I believe that everything happens for a purpose and that God guides and directs us. So, when adversities and tests cross my path, I pay attention and question whether this direction is the one I am supposed to take. There is a certain self-confidence, clarity of purpose and, most important, generosity of spirit combined to accomplish the task at hand. Have faith in God. Trust God, and all will be well. I see how the body cannot be alone without the mind and spirit. Spiritual nourishment comes when I receive the body and blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ (the bread and wine) in the sacrament of the Holy
Eucharist.

I am a firm believer that meditation and relaxation energize the internal benefits of quietude, peace, and a sense of well-being. All my life, I have been active in the Ukrainian community promoting the spiritual traditions and customs according to the Ukrainian Catholic Church. The fundamental aim of the Catholic faith is to develop, enrich, and preserve the religious and spiritual life. I am proud of my faith and my dedication to the spiritual aspects of
life.

Thank you, Lord, for my 95-year-old healthy body, mind, and spirit. God willing, there will be many more championships in track and field to come. My life has certainly been enriched, and I feel blessed. I believe the Holy Spirit guides me in all my endeavours. My mind and heart remain intrinsically linked to the many individuals who gave me so much of what is precious to me today. I pray for my family and for my many wonderful friends all over the
world.

I believe and I quote Oprah Winfrey’s belief in spirituality: “It isn’t until you come to a spiritual understanding of who you are—not necessarily a religious feeling, but deep down, the spirit within—that you can begin to take control.” During “An Evening with Oprah Winfrey” on January 24, 2013 at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, an ecstatic 16,000 strong audience embraced the influential, media icon. Winfrey talked about “listening to your inner voice”, whether you consider it the voice of God or as she likes to say “your emotional GPS on the road to
self-realization”.

We enjoyed the wisdom, favourite stories, and the candour of Oprah. “No matter what you are struggling through, no matter the pain or anguish, you can go inside behind your mind and observe it happening to you. When you come to know this, you realize that even though the canvass of your life is painted with daily experiences, behaviours, and emotions, you are the one controlling the
brush.”

My secret: Stop. Rest. Find a few moments in the day to close your mind to the outside world, nurture your spirit, mind, and body and restore your peaceful energy. Count your blessings. Everyone has
some.

I believe I reconnect with the Spirit that nurtures the human soul and, thereby, my stress is reduced, and a powerful energy is restored. This is my personal belief. I listen for the soft, gentle voice of my heart and soul, the voice of trust and justice, and the beat of my life as it
rejuvenates.

I truly feel a strong bond with my Lord, and He has always blessed me with wonderful experiences. I am so thankful for the gifts given to me by my Lord. My faith has helped me stay motivated enough to be healthy and compete in track and field from the age of 77 to
95.

Thank you, my Lord, for my wonderful parents, sisters, brothers, children, grandchildren, and
friends.

I will continue to contribute and support wherever it is needed. I will try to exemplify, teach, and encourage seniors as well as children of all ages to challenge themselves and to contribute to their community. I believe each one of us, especially seniors, has the physical, mental, and spiritual potential to enjoy recreation, sport, and healthy living and, thereby, not burden our health care system. You and I have such valuable resources to help us get well and stay well with the help of
The O.K. Way to a Healthy, Happy Life
. We must be determined to run the race that is ahead of
us.

When the time comes, and it certainly will for me to retire and stop competing in track and field, I hope to take piano lessons. That old piano should again resonate in the house. As well, I will buy a computer to join the contemporary mood of the crowd. I do have a golf club and some balls. Who knows how this physical activity of my life will serve me. I should keep on being vibrant and profitable to my
community.

It is my sincere hope that this book will be a catalyst to help seniors, and people of all ages, to start improving their health through daily exercise, good food, community activity, and a gratitude to the Heavenly Creator. In my daily prayers, I include the welfare of my family and all of my friends. Each morning, remember to be grateful for what the world brings to you. Say your prayers tonight and express that
gratitude.

French woman Jeanne Calment, who was the world’s oldest woman since her date of birth could be verified, passed away at 122 years of age. She was an artist and actress and last acted in a movie at the age of 100. Sadly, she and I shared the same heart-breaking experience of losing a daughter to illness at an early age. Somehow we got through it. When Jeanne was asked the secret behind her longevity she replied: “olive oil, a sense of humour and the fact that I fear
nothing.”

I plan to follow in her fearless footsteps, and I would like to enjoy another thirty years, to love life and not fear aging. I don’t lie about my age. Someone told me that everyone needs a feisty and healthy grandmother from the prairies to remind them what really matters in a complicated world. I am a grandmother who loves to travel around the world, meet new people, and compete. There are plenty of reasons to be healthy and happy and to celebrate life. Today, I have more energy, more strength, more stamina, and more spirit, and I feel great. I have a magnificent life, and I know you can too. It’s amazing! I’m loving every minute of
it.

I would like to end my book with
The Optimist Creed,
the philosophy of Optimists International. This service club was established in 1911 in Buffalo New York, and it is dedicated to community involvement, in particular to assisting youth in need. There are more than 3000 Optimist clubs worldwide; I belong to the Optimist Club of the North Shore, Vancouver. I hope these words will inspire and support you on this wonderful journey that we call life. This is the most important homework I am
assigning.

May the grace of our Saviour Jesus Christ bring you and your loved ones His peace, joy, and love now and forever and ever. Yours faithfully in our Lord,
Olga.

THE OPTIMIST
CREED

Promise yourself
:

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of
mind

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you
meet

To make all of your friends feel there is something in
them

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come
true

To think only of the best, to work only for the best,
and expect only the
best

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your
own

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the
future

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a
smile

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize
others

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of
trouble

It seems that my life has consisted of multifaceted experiences taking place predominantly in the 21st century. It was a multi-purpose time of learning, growth, and maturing. What did I learn? Be brave. Be different. Don’t just take the way things have always been—be the way it has to be. Make your space and add new ideas. Connect with your body.

Life is a game. Play to
win.

“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again
this time
more intelligently.”
—
Henry
Ford

I hope that you will do the homework. My secrets are not secrets anymore because I like to
share.

Accolades

Olga is a phenomenon, rarely encountered by most of us as we go through life. For those of us approaching the ripe age of 70 the thought of any human being beginning an “athletic career” at age 77 and commencing to compete not in one’s back yard but internationally for the world to see, is beyond comprehension! The entire scenario is even more unbelievable when you learn that Olga, before retiring, was not overly athletically minded nor did she have any strong sports ambitions. Bowling was the closest she came, and that was more for social diversion rather than
athletics.

Walter Zavadell
VP Sales & Marketing
(retired)

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Beyond her incredible athletic feats, Olga is a model of active aging. She travels by herself to seek competitive opportunities (however rarely) against women in her age group. She also takes an interest in the governance of her sport. In Lahti, Finland she observed the General Assembly elections of World Masters Athletics. Olga is a hero to her fellow athletes as well, including world class performers such as Karla Del Grande, who wrote on my site: “Olga is truly inspiring and a real dynamo! Imagine competing in events where no one at the age of 90 has competed
before!”

Kenneth Stone
Founder
mastertrack.com

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As a former teacher, principal and assistant superintendent in the Burnaby School District, I have known Olga as a teacher for many of the thirty-four years that she taught. Throughout her teaching career, Olga demonstrated the kind of commitment that she now demonstrates in her athletic career. I became aware of Olga’s second career two years ago when Olga made a presentation at a large luncheon meeting of our association. The presentation was an outstanding success. Our members were in awe of Olga’s accomplishments. Olga’s athleticism has benefitted her health and overall well-being. Olga definitely practices what she preaches. She encourages the older generation to become stimulated and active in order to enjoy a richer, healthier life. Therefore, changing how we live is Olga’s
philosophy.

Gerry Dittrich,
President
Burnaby Retired Teachers
Association

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Olga not only represents the values and aspirations kindred to sport, personal improvement, dedication and hard work, but she has set an outstanding precedent in terms of setting the bar of performance beyond what was currently imagined. This accomplishment has not only set a standard but has pushed the envelope of the possibilities that has been both an inspiration and motivation for others. In Olga’s words, “Aging may be affected by our genes, but our real biological age depends largely on our daily habits, stress level and mental and physical exercise.” Olga sets that example not only for seniors but also for all of us by participating in activities that contribute to a well-rounded, fit and healthy individual. Olga Kotelko could not have accomplished all this without the one major ingredient that ensures success, and that is attitude. Upon meeting Olga you are immediately aware of her energy and enthusiasm for life portrayed by her positive
attitude.

Ralph J. Ferstay
Recreation Service Manager
West Vancouver Parks & Community
Service

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Olga is a gracious winner. Because of her dedication, determination and talent, her character seldom faces the test of failure. I have only seen her “fail” once. On the third and final day of competition in the North American, Central American and Caribbean Regional Championships in Leon, Mexico at altitude in extreme heat, while running the 200m, she stumbled and fell. She responded by picking herself up and, sporting a scraped and swollen upper lip, readjusted her glasses and went off to compete in and win the weight pentathlon. She is a sweet, young octogenarian, but she is also a fierce competitor. Olga is an inspiration for me and has altered by perspectives. One of my personal goals, now, is to set the world record in the decathlon for men 100+. It may not be easy to do. I suspect I will have competition. Olga has changed the expectations and dreams of
many.

Warren Hamill
World Champion, M55
decathlon

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It seems that now, in 2012, motivation and inspiration becomes harder to find. It is much easier for kids these days to play on the computer rather than focusing on working hard at something, learning or physical activity. I am here to inform you of one amazing woman who inspires me. Her name is Olga
Kotelko.

Olga started competing in shot put, discus and javelin in 1997, and was immediately successful. She then expanded her interests to include 100m, 200m, hammer throw, high jump and pentathlon. Olga has won medals in every event she has participated. In addition to her outstanding athletic achievements, Olga encourages and motivates others about health and fitness. She makes presentations to seniors’ groups. She is an active member of the Optimist Club, where she serves as Chairperson of the Youth Sports Committee. She has represented Canada and British Columbia in numerous international track and field competitions.

Olga is an inspiration to every athlete, young and senior, proficient or beginner.

Her dedication and attitude embody the best principles of amateur athletic
competition.

Kenneth M. Dawson,
President Optimist Club of the North
Shore

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The following tributes mean so much to me as I perceive myself through the eyes of my family. Some of their thoughts are serious and some of them are funny but all of them are filled with
love.

————————

Mom has a great deal of love and wisdom that she never hesitates to share with any of us. Her love nurtures us and her wisdom binds us together. She knows that by challenging us with hard work, she can help to give us, as individuals, a sense of purpose by binding us together as a family. She gives us a sense of belonging. She creates balance and joy in our lives and has taught us to always strive to make the best of
ourselves.

Without Olga’s imagination, boldness and boundless energy and curiosity, she would not have become the woman that she is today. Anyone who has worked with her can truly appreciate the range of her talents. We have and we
do.

She is ageless, adventurous, active, beautiful, balanced, blessed, charismatic, creative, capable, dynamic, determined, enthusiastic, exuberant, feisty, faithful, flexible, full of life, grateful, genuine, gutsy, hardworking, honest, happy, imaginative, influential, jovial, kind, knowledgeable, loving, motivational, natural, never late, noticeable, optimistic, observant, original, perceptive, poised, persistent, quirky, resilient, reliable, radiant, has stamina, is special, spiritual, trustworthy, thoughtful, unique, vibrant, valuable, versatile, whimsical, wise and forever youthful. Olga is one of a kind. Quite a
gal!

Lynda Rabson,
Daughter

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As Grandma’s most attractive, successful, witty and all round best grandchild I am sorry that I cannot be in Vancouver to share in the experience of her turning 90. Although I am at school over 4500 kilometres away, her life is still very much a part of mine. I am constantly reminded of her every time I turn on a T.V. and see something about the upcoming Olympics, or see the oval track at my school (athough covered by 4 feet of snow for the better part of the year). I feel a great sense of pride when I tell stories about her athletic accomplishments, and I enjoy seeing the baffled faces of my friends when I
do.

The lessons she has taught me over the years resonate with me to this day. The virtues of hard work and determination that were ingrained in her from a young age have been imparted to me through many stories about her childhood and the way she carries herself. I feel that she has been an immense part of developing the person that I am
today.

Her selfless acts remind me to act ethically in all situations (often difficult at business school), and the kindness and respect that she gives to everyone she meets are unparalleled. I aspire to one day be as well liked as she is, which she accomplishes by being genuine and loving with everyone she meets. And she makes good pyrogies. Thank you Grandma
OK.

Matt Rabson,
Grandson

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Most of you know my grandmother as the one-in-a-million strong-hearted world athlete, but I’ll bet you’ve never caught onto her secret plan to replicate
herself.

Grandma has lived with us since before I was born, and I’ve caught onto a series of events that lead me to believe that she is trying to turn me into her. I’m not crazy! It’s
true.

Through my years in pre-school, I would come home after school and Grandma would always be there. Every day after school would be the same. We would take the same red checkered blanket, a bowl of watermelon, and a Ukrainian book, and we would go to the same place on the lawn and she would teach me to read and speak Ukrainian. From what I remember as a 4 year-old, I wasn’t half bad. We must have spent hours upon hours outside, slowly learning the nouns and family members (of which I remember baba and gido). I was just having fun, but I was learning her language as
well.

As I continued to elementary school, school began to take up more of my time. The afternoon watermelon-Ukrainian lessons slowed down and stopped. We began a new tradition. Every year around Easter, she would put out this array of dyes on the table with wax and candles, and every day, before and after school—because I couldn’t get enough of it—we would sit at the table making pysanka. She would tell me the meaning of all the dyes as I put my egg into them and then we would sit and watch the oven apprehensively as the wax would melt off and I could see my final product. All year I would look forward to spending this tradition with
her.

Nearing the end of elementary school and into high school, it was discovered that I enjoyed being just as involved with athletics as Gramma is. This led me to join my school’s track and field team in grade 4, and I continued through until my grade 12 year. Gramma took the time while I was in elementary school to become the shot put coach of the school team, and even though we had a teacher as coach in high school, I still insisted that she be my personal trainer. At least a couple of afternoons per week, Gramma would take the time away from her own training, and we would head over to the track so that I could practice my throws. I never became a world-class athlete, but finally in my last year in high school we made it to the B.C. provincial
championships.

To recap, over the years she has taught me her language, her culture, and got me interested in her sports. There seems to be a pattern here; she has slowly been making me like
her.

For this, I have to say thank you, for all the time we’ve spent together and everything I’ve learned from you. I hope I can be able to pass down Gramma’s kindness, generosity, and love for her family to my own family when I have one of my
own.

Alesa Rabson,
Granddaughter

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My earliest recollection of Aunty Olga was when I was around five or six years old. The family held her in high esteem as she was the most educated member of the family. She became a teacher, got married to a handsome man named John and then moved away. Later when the marriage ended and she arrived in British Columbia to make a new life for herself and her girls, I was often asked to babysit, and I learned how to change diapers with baby
Lynda.

In 1959 she bought a house that was being built by students in New Westminster and had it moved to a lot three doors down from us. She hired people to dig a basement and relatives and neighbours built the forms for the walls and poured the cement. She worked alongside all of us and we learned about building houses and about Olga. Although she encountered many problems to solve and decisions to make while managing different people during the stressful project, I never saw her angry or distressed. She was always open to opinions before she made a
decision.

I have stayed in touch with Aunt Olga over the years and she continues to amaze me. Although many of her siblings lived well into their 80’s, she has surpassed them all. Hard work is the secret behind her success. She works hard at staying
healthy.

As I photographed her demonstrating her exercise routine I realized that her posture has actually improved over the years. It only proves that with awareness, diligence and perseverance, as she likes to say, we can improve our health and well-being no matter what our age. Our birthdays might come and go but Aunty Olga’s are precious to us. I wish her many more years of athletic
supremacy.

Noris Burdeniuk,
Nephew

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The word “hero” means different things to different people. Some people believe that a hero is someone who has changed the world, someone who has changed politics or even someone who has invented something. I agree with all of these things however I wanted to choose someone who is personal to me, someone who could open my eyes and prove to me that they could achieve things I never thought they could. My Aunty Olga did just
that.

Olga Kotelko is a track and field athlete. She has traveled around the world participating in competitions, she trains for the 100m, 200m, 400m, shot put, javelin and high jump. She’s a busy lady. Actually one day I asked her if there was a track and field event she didn’t compete in. She just laughed and said, “Well actually Kelli, there is pole vault but I’m planning to attempt it
soon!”

This may not shock you that a person can be in almost every event that track and field has to offer, some of you do it every spring. But the thing that separates my aunty from you is that she is 82 years old. This amazes me because when I picture an 82-year-old I see a small, fragile baba. And when I see my aunty I still see My Great Aunty Olga who is shorter than me and weighs less than I do but in a matter of seconds she could kick my
behind.