Morden track and field star Benji Dueck, is looking to build off an incredible year, and with the Canada Summer Games coming up, he's looking to hit his peak, and dominate.
Back to the start
"I was always an active kid growing up," Dueck says with a chuckle. "My whole life, soccer was my main sport. In middle school, we were allowed to do track, cross country, just kind of for fun. I'd do it, I wouldn't train or anything, so I'd just kind of do it for fun in middle school. Later in high school, when I realized could actually go somewhere in the sport, I started training a bit, and putting more focus on it."
Growing in the sport of track
After making the decision to dedicate himself to his craft, Dueck recalls his growth through the sport was pretty quick. "I think one thing that's nice about track, if you get bigger, stronger, and as you get older, the more you can improve. That's one thing, it's something that just by growing and maturing, you can naturally improve."
The mental grind
Pushing himself physically is one thing, but Dueck says he's also learned to push himself mentally. "I think it's something that's very mental. You're standing at the start line, and it can be nerve racking. Even in the race itself, you have to push through a lot of things. Trusting in the training I've put in, leaning on my faith, that's a very important part of my running career, and knowing I'm doing it for more than just myself."
Growing up, and through the years of sports, Dueck freely admits that he's always been quite competitive. "I'd say my whole life I've been pretty competitive," he says with a smile. "Either trying to better myself, or going up against other competitors. I'd absolutely say I'm competitive.
Newfoundland bound
Having earned his way to the big tournament coming up starting this week in Newfoundland, Dueck cannot wait to get there and take in everything that comes his way. "I'm suer excited, it's going to be a lot of fun. I attend school in PEI for University, so it's exciting that it's happening on the east coast, and it only happens every four years, so I'm just so excited for the chance to compete. I'm healthy, and it's going to be a lot of fun."
Dueck will be part of a few different races in Newfoundland. "I'll be running the 800 meter, and also the 4x400 relay. To prepare, we have a new track in Morden, it's just been completed, and it's really nice. I train there three times a week, lots of work in the gym, and just going for runs. Lots of preparation."
Final days of prep
With the flight to Newfoundland quickly approaching, Dueck says the last few days of training are not what many would expect them to be, it's much more relaxed. "Right now, most of the training is done, pretty much, over the last few months, or years even. So, just trying to train a little, but let the legs get fresh, make sure I'm 100% healthy heading over there, and so most of the prep work is done."
Community support drives Dueck
Having a strong support system cheering him on and supporting him has meant the world to Dueck, and he says it's helped when things have gotten tough. "It's been great. My family is super supportive, and encouraging me to get as good as I can. Even the community, everyone has been super supportive. I wouldn't be where I am without all the coaches I've had, some of the great people I've trained with. That support has been key."
Investing in the future of track
As someone who loves the sports in track and field, the fact Morden has built a new track, and the community continues to invest into the future of the sport, Dueck believes more top level athletes will come from the area because of it all. "It's great, I'm super thankful we have that track, now. Athletes don't have to travel to train. It's nice for younger kids to have something that's accessible for them. It's open all the time, and they can go have fun with it."
When it comes to all he's accomplished, and all he hopes to accomplish, Dueck takes a lot of pride in being a role model to young athletes around the Pembina Valley. "It's been super cool, and as I get older, I'd like to get more into coaching. I helped Morden Colligiate a little bit this year, helping coach their team, but I'd like to get more into that in the future. Also, working with younger kids, sharing my experience can be really big for them."
Up next
Dueck is gearing up to head to Newfoundland this week, taking part in the Canada Summer Games.