Triumph through Courage

Story appeared in the 2015 issue of QMS Connections Magazine.

BY ANDREW YOUNG

In 2014, Madison Heisterman (Grade 9) became the first ever provincial track and field champion from Queen Margaret’s School. Not only did she capture the gold medal running in the 1500m, but she also won the silver medal in the 800m in 2014 and the gold medal in the 800m in 2015.

“I’m really proud to have won a gold medal at the BC Summer Games last year. It felt amazing to stand at the top of the podium in my hometown.”

While Madison’s success came as no surprise to anyone who has seen her compete in cross-country races or other track and field meets over her time at QMS, perhaps the most remarkable feat was that she was competing above her age group against athletes who were two years older. The courage Madison displayed in track and field in 2014 built her confidence considerably. Two months later, she won three gold medals at the BC Summer Games in the 800m, 1200m, and 4 x 400m relay, respectively. Her time in the 1200m race set a BC Summer Games record! Later in the summer, she captured the silver in the 800m at the North American Track and Field Championships in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

In the fall of 2014, Madison, again competed above her age group; however, this time it was in cross-country, where she competed at the senior level against Grade 11 and 12 students. Madison placed 4th in the province. In her upcoming races, Madison will be competing against university level athletes at the University of Washington and at two collegiate level track meets in Los Angeles.

When she is not running, Madison is very involved in the QMS Equestrian Program. She participates in the Train to Compete program on her horse, Hershey’s Kiss, affectionately named after the host city of the North American Track and Field Championships. As Madison’s confidence builds, she continues to remain humble and enjoys spending time with friends as much as she enjoys running. With the 2015 track and field season underway, the QMS com-munity is excited for Madison and very proud of her many accomplishments and bright future.