Davidson & Neilson invited to compete in Spain

Ken Johnston

Who would have thought that the international sports cooperative between Rainy River High School and Lake of the Woods Schools (Baudette, Minnesota) would lead athletes to Spain.
For Shantelle Davidson, 14, and Matt Neilson, 16, of Rainy River High School it has done just that.
Both are long distance runners and for the past few years have been at the top of their sport in both track and cross country running. Their performances have earned them a special invitation by the Michigan based World Sports Exchange.
Davidson and Neilson both received invitations to travel to Barcelona, Spain on December 26, 2002 to train with world class coaches and compete in officially recognized (by USA Track and Field) San Silvestre de Barcelona 10k race.
Davidson received her invite at the end of September and at first was very apprehensive about going alone. “I was nervous and my parents wanted me to go alone.”
Then about a week later Neilson received his invite. “When Matt got his (invitation) I was really happy,” said Davidson.
Neilson said, “I was a little surprised when I received the invitation but then excitement took over. It is a once in a lifetime experience.”
World Sports Exchange is assembling a team from 40 US states to make the trip to Spain where they will participate in training sessions that involve coaches of olympic calibre. One of those coaches will be Dan Browne who is currently the top American distance runner in the USA. He recently ran a top ten time of 27:45 in the 10k.
While that distance is much longer than what Neilson and Davidson are used to, they are confident that they will be able to finish the race. Matt’s personal best in the 1600 m is 4:58 and in the 3200m is 11:18. Shantelle’s best times are 5:15 and 11:39. The Barcelona race is about 6 times the length of the 1600m race.
Both runners agree that they will have to pace themselves much more slowly than they would in the shorter races. Neilson has run a 10k before and feels he knows what he is up against.
With cross country season ending in the next week or so, the pair said they plan to keep training and hope to enlist the help of their coach Sariina Kalli.
Kalli said that she feels both these athletes, “Go above and beyond what I ask them to do!” She said that while she would be willing to help them train her biggest concern is keeping Davidson healthy.
Suffering from a stress fracture, even Davidson is concerned about her health.
The trip begins on Dec. 26th. The next day they begin with a practise and an evening session with Coach Browne. On the 28th they will participate in more training in the morning and then begin exploring the cultural side of the trip. They will visit Christopher Columbus harbour, the Columbus Monument, the famous architecture of Gaudi, Sagrada Familia, the Rambias, Plaza de Cataluna, the Olympic Museum and the 1992 Olympic Stadium.
On the 29th they will continue training and make a trip to France to visit more historical sites.
On the 30th they will have their last day of training and participate in a motivational session. More site seeing will complete the day and then rest will be in order as the big event is the next day.
The international race, San Silvestre de Barcelona, is run through the famous ancient districts of Barcelona and is one of the top sporting events in all of Spain.
Following the race and awards ceremony the team will meet with Spanish Olympic Silver Medalist Jordi Liopart and then a private New Year’s dinner and dance will be held.
The team will return home on January 2nd.
While the trip will cost each of them $2,085 U.S., both Davidson and Neilson feel the experience will be a good one for them. “I hope to represent Canada some day, maybe even at the Olympics,” said Davidson, feeling that this exchange will help open some of those doors for her.
Neilson is hoping to continue competing at the University level but at this point has no plans to represent Canada like Davidson. He says he really enjoys the sport and likes keeping fit.
Coach Kalli is confident that the experience will benefit both Davidson and Neilson but will also benefit the LoW track and cross country teams. “They will bring back training techniques that I hope they will pass onto the team.”
Both athletes are actively fund raising to go on the trip and recently raised $100 U.S. selling pumpkins at a Bears football game. Anyone wishing to help them get to Barcelona can call their homes at 852-1052 (Shantelle), or 483-5866 (Matt).