International Women’s Day – Hannah Taylor

Friday, March 8th is International Women’s Day and to celebrate, Sport PEI would like to recognize some of the women who are actively representing PEI as athletes! We asked them how they feel about being a leader for young female athletes on the island and what message they’d like to share.

Last week, Hannah Taylor achieved the goal her first wrestling coach assigned to her when she began wrestling – qualifying for the Olympics!

The 25-year-old Summerside native won both her required matches at the Pan-Am Olympic Qualifiers in Mexico to become the latest Islander to qualify for the Olympics, the first to do so in wrestling. The opportunities Hannah’s had through wrestling are not lost on her and despite her high achievements, her growth as a person comes to mind first when describing her career so far.

“Sport is more than just a game – it’s a transformative experience that shapes who you are as a person,” Hannah told Sport PEI just days before her Olympic qualifier. “The friendships you make can last a lifetime, the adventures while traveling become cherished memories, and your desire to excel will lead to success in other areas of your life.”

Hannah doesn’t take her position as a role model lightly, hosting wrestling clinics for youth when she is home from training and competing. Vanessa Keefe, who was featured earlier this week, followed Hannah’s footsteps to compete intercollegiately at Brock University and made her debut for Canada last fall.

While she treasures the memories and relationships that have come from a life competing at the highest levels, the impact she has on young female athlete gives Hannah deep motivation.

“The most rewarding aspect, however, is when a little girl tells you they want to be just like you,” says Hannah, addressing other female athletes. “Your involvement matters.”

Sport PEI is also hosting a “She’s Good” event, sponsored by Maritime Electric, on Friday at Bluefield High for girls in grades 8-12. For more information, contact lboudreau@sportpei.pe.ca. To register, click here: