Olga (26 page)

Aunty Olga has confidence. A lot of confidence. She comes up to a challenge and believes in herself so much that whatever she was planning to accomplish is almost too scared to fight back. And this is one of the reasons she’s my hero. She’s always been tough. She had to be; she grew up in the 1920s and you’ll never guess where her hometown was. It was Smuts, Saskatchewan. She had several daily chores that she split up with her 10 siblings. This is where she learned determination and strength, both physical and mental. She also was a big softball player. She and her friend were the only girls on the local team. They had to walk 6 miles to the game, play and walk 6 miles back
home.

When Aunty Olga grew up she moved to Vancouver, where she is currently living. She played softball up to the age of 77 and then moved her talent to track and field by accident. She asked the high school if she could use their equipment, and that was the start of the 77-year- old athletic star. She found a trainer and began practicing for high jump, but that wasn’t good enough either. She learned more about track and field events, and she decided to try almost every kind of sport. Currently in 2000 at the age of 81, she has 81 medals in 81 events, which I may add, are all gold. She had also broken world records in discus and javelin and because competition in her age category is hard to find she is challenging herself to break those records again. She has traveled to Australia, Europe, the United States and all over Canada participating in athletic competitions. She believes the unthinkable can be accomplished. I believe she is a Canadian hero because she has the power to change what Canadians think, and she is my hero because she is my auntie. She has shown that determination and dedication can take you anywhere even at the age of 82. And I believe being a track athlete at this age is a great accomplishment because I don’t know how many 82-year-olds can even run a meter without breaking a hip. So in closing I would like to thank my Aunty Olga for influencing me and I hope you now see her as a hero
too.

Kelli Malko,
Niece

————————

We grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan about 100 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon. Olga was the seventh of eleven children, five boys and six girls. The year Olga was born, dad built our two-storey home with three bedrooms upstairs and three rooms downstairs. The whole house was heated by a small tin heater in the middle of the room downstairs. Of course, we had to double up or triple up when we went to sleep. But we had goose down quilts for covers to keep us
warm.

Times were tough. During the dirty 30s I remember when dad went to Smuts for some fish that was offered as relief as we were kind of skimping on food. Towards spring, mom would preserve the fish that were not consumed during the winter in jars. She would fill the jars with fish, bones and all. It was delicious. Mom would also save potato peelings and planted them in spring for a new crop. We all survived and grew up to be
adults.

We attended Riel Dana School that was 2 miles away. The first half mile was uphill. At recess we played baseball. For some reason I had to run to the bases as Olga was up to bat. I started to run as she raised the bat upwards and struck me over the eyebrow, where a scar remains to this
day.

I was so proud of Olga because she was the first one of the family to attend high school. She boarded with the Sister Servants and attended Bedford Road Collegiate in Saskatoon. She graduated and then attended the Business College and later Teachers College which was then called the Normal School. She taught school in Saskatchewan and later in British
Columbia.

Olga was always glamorous, slight, prim and proper. I was a little jealous, as I was pudgy and plain. After Olga married John Kotelko they had their first baby, Nadine, who was their pride and joy. I was privileged to be her godmother. Later on, another bundle of joy, Lynda was
born.

Olga always excelled in anything that she did. At an early age she learned to knit and crochet, and she was always good at art. She always kept busy. And we all know that she took up athletic endeavors when she turned 77 years old and she hasn’t’ stopped yet. She has won hundreds of gold medals in shot put, high jump, running, often breaking her own
records.

Olga has proved that where there is a will there is a way, and you can achieve whatever you set your heart on. We are proud of you for being a role model for us, and God bless you for many years of health and
happiness.

Phyllis Gutiw,
Sister

(The last of my siblings died on
November 12, 2011 at the age of
88.)

Acknowledgements

It has been said that it takes a community to make a child. Judging from the list that follows the same can be said for writing a book. So many people offered their suggestions, contributions, and support in one way or another to make this book possible. I extend my sincere thanks to all the brilliant minds who took precious time out of their already overbooked days and nights to give their generous support. I hope none are
excluded.

I have benefitted immensely over the years from the support and love from my incredible daughter Lynda and son-in-law Richard. Lynda’s invaluable assistance deserves special mention because without her this book would have been a much weaker version of itself. She has always been gracious in allowing me to lean on her in many situations, and the book was no different: she was available to help me on short notice whenever I imposed on her time. Both Lynda’s and Richard’s expert advice, guidance, and encouragement were crucial to making the book the best it could be. Lynda’s contribution to the success of this book is immeasurable: she carefully concentrated on dates and details, and kept me on task. I am grateful for her intelligence and kindness. Thank you,
Lynda.

My two grandchildren, Matthew and Alesa. You have kept me grounded and added joy and humour to my life. I am so proud of you both and can never thank you enough for your love and
support.

I am truly grateful to Roxanne Davies who masterminded the book project from its inception to conclusion. She carefully developed the first draft from my handwritten scribbles and has continued to help to the end. Her faith in the project made it a
reality.

North Shore writer/editor Michele Carter polished my story into a shiny and readable narrative that has brought the nine chapters to life. Thank you!
www.indiescribbler.com
.

A special acknowledgement goes to Andrea Argyros, a prominent West Vancouver artist who has painted several beautiful paintings of me and who suggested the title,
Olga
.

Romy Ilich created a beautiful cover that captures the spirit of my story.
http://www.romyilich.com
.

I want to thank members of the media who have taken a chance on me and made my story a local, national, and international story. In particular, I wish to acknowledge the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics Organization for giving me the honour to take part in the Torch
Relay.

I wish to thank Alma Lee, founder of the Vancouver Writer’s Festival, for carefully reading the third draft of the manuscript and for her encouragement and suggestions. I want to acknowledge Dr. Gloria McArter for her valuable insights regarding my
story.

Ivana Cameron, exercise instructor in fitness, strength and energy offered her expert suggestions in drafting the OK exercises. Her input was invaluable in making these exercises effective and safe for seniors. Chris Shirley of the Pacific Institute of Reflexology kindly shared the hand and foot reflexology
charts.

Thank you to graphic artist Carmen Lane for organizing the many photographs and to the editors at Friesen Press because these chapters became more appealing and readable after their input. Editing the work of others is not a simple task. Now I know what building a book really
means.

Thanks to my nephew and his wife, Noris and Nora Burdeniuk, for the photography and their excellent photo editing skills. Thanks also to photographers Cindy Goodman for the exercise photos and Patrik Giardino http://www.giardinophoto.com for the California photographs that grace the beginning of each
chapter.

I should like to thank the many persons who helped me by submitting to my endless questions or supporting this work. While I shall not attempt to record every debt here, I should particularly like to mention and thank Hugh McKinnon, Earl Fee, Ken Stone, Warren Hamill for their recommendations and
encouragement.

A special thank you to Bishop Ken Nowakowski, who continually encourages me to extract and utilize my inner strength to keep my body, mind and spirit healthy and
strong.

I thank sincerely Father Josephat, Pastor at Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church Vancouver Parish; Mir Huculak, lawyer, friend and Consul for Ukraine in Vancouver; and dear, cheerful and positive friend Theresa Herchak of Richmond for her letter of
support.

Harold Morioka, coach, trainer of B.C. Fraser Valley Greyhounds Masters Track and Field Club for his patience and expertise in keeping track of my athletic competitions and especially my world
records.

Dr. Tanja Taivassalo and her husband Dr. Russ Hepple, Professors in McGill’s department of Kinesiology and Physical Education. Their research has focused on the pathophysiology of skeletal muscle mitochondrial disorders and the safety and efficacy of exercise training in their treatment. I am truly indebted for being included in the
study.

Dr. Arthur Kramer and Dr. Laura Chaddock at the Beckman Institute at the University of Illinois for their patience and kindness while conducting their research on my
brain.

Dr. Michael Myckatyn, a sincere thank you for being such a good friend and a great leader and organizer in the community. I feel privileged to have been included as an example of superior senior athleticism in the teaching sessions with your fellow
doctors.

Barb Vida, thank you for enriching my life as a coach, trainer and a sincere friend. Her intense focus on determination, perseverance and commitment became powerful and influential in my sports career and has transferred into my personal healthy lifestyle. I still have the techniques and my experience, for which I am truly
grateful.

Daniel Godfrey, Aqua Plus instructor at the West Vancouver Aquatic Centre has succeeded to make the high-intensity 60-minute workout fun for the class as he stresses endurance and strength building. My cardiovascular fitness has benefitted and increased in his energizing and motivating
environment.

No project of any magnitude happens without sponsors and financial assistance. I wish to express my gratitude for the support and generosity of the Taras Shevchenko Foundation, who invest in the future of our Ukrainian community in Canada and maintain and strengthen our Canadian Ukrainian identity. I am so grateful that my book is a part of your generous
support.

Senator Raynell Adreychuk noted that Canada would be a very different place today without the contribution of Ukrainian Canadians who worked hard to make this country so
prosperous.

Gladys Andreas is a dear friend who has devoted her time and energy to promote and celebrate Ukrainian language, culture and customs to British
Columbians.

Robert and Mary Lashin, their willingness and unequivocal eagerness to support my book brought it to fruition. Thank
you.

Charles Taylor and his mechanics at North Vancouver Taylormotive merit a big thank you for their contribution toward the publications of this book and for keeping my 2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue in great working order. I really appreciate
it.

Joseph and Annie Siermy, bass and alto singers in St Mary’s choir, have generously extended support in bringing this book to completion. The gracious Lida Hoffman and Barbara Ballhorn generously give of their time and support to me and to St. Mary’s Parish in the Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. On behalf of my daughter Nadine I wish to congratulate our St Mary’s team who continue to raise a lot of money towards cancer
research.

Bruce Grierson, whose articles in
Reader’s Digest
,
The New York Times Magazine
, and his book
What Makes Olga Run?
sent my life into a new direction. Right from the beginning, his unfailing guidance and support are gratefully acknowledged. My friend, thank
you.

Stephanie Toporowski and Stephanie Dorosiewich, my dear, dear friends have given me so much of what is precious to me
today.

Soloway Travel and Myrna Arychuk have been reuniting people with their relatives in Ukraine, Poland and Russia. Her
Solovei Magazine
will be promoting my book
Olga: The O.K. Way to a Healthy, Happy
Life
.

Thanks to Millie Kozak, archivist, poet and devoted parishioner in the Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in New Westminster. She researched and insisted that I include in this book only the best picture of the icon which I painted for the cathedral many years ago in
1968.

Anne Gutiw, Bernice Shawaga and Carol Issel, members of the younger generation for providing the document “Shawaga Family Reunion, 1901 – 1986”.
Thank you very
much.

If I have forgotten anyone please know that in my heart I thank all of my family, friends and fellow athletes, young and old, who have cheered me on and have been so encouraging with their warm support. Above all I sincerely thank the good Lord for His guidance and in helping me to bring this book to fruition. It’s tough to be so vulnerable in front of the whole world for the first time in my life, especially at the age of
95.