Sarah Kristolaitis
Age: 23
Occupation: Student and Fitness Instructor
Hometown: London, Ontario
Family: Single
My biggest physical accomplishment(s) to date: becoming a certified BodyPump and BodyAttack instructor!
In the News: Timmins native pedalling for kids with cancer
Riding for Research and the End of Childhood Cancer
In the last several years, being active has become one of the most important things in my life. I joined a gym for the first time 3 years ago, and I became so hooked on the feeling of being fit and healthy that I decided I wanted to share this experience with others. Only a year after joining, I found myself in my first training session to become a group exercise instructor with Goodlife Fitness! I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to touch the lives of so many people each and every week, and this has in part inspired me to become involved with the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride.
My life as a cyclist, unlike many of my fellow riders, has been pretty short. I purchased my first bike since childhood last May, and within a couple of months I was obsessed with riding it! I even insisted, against the better judgment of an experienced cyclist, on getting clip-in pedals after less than 2 months (and for the record, I only fell over once!). In July, I rode my first distance event, a 160 km charity ride, and this cemented my passion for cycling. As I am a firm believer in pushing one’s limits on a regular basis, I could not resist applying to be a part of this phenomenal event in 2009. Despite my short cycling resumé, I completely believe that with the help and support of my incredible friends and family, I will accomplish this goal.
When I am not at the gym, I am a full time student at the University of Western Ontario. I am pursuing a degree in Genetics and Biochemistry, with the hope of either attending medical school, or becoming involved in medical research. I am riding because I truly believe that there are cures out there, and I hope to be a part of finding them in any way that I can. I am riding because cancer is a dreadful diagnosis for anyone, but it is unimaginable for a child. I am riding because as someone who enjoyed a happy, healthy childhood, it breaks my heart to see children robbed of the joys that so many of us take for granted. I look forward to the challenges of this ride. Most of all, I look forward to meeting the children and families across the country affected by this disease, and being able to offer them hope.
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” - Mahatma Ghandi
