From Sidewalk to Podium

Haskayne/Kinesiology student is headed to Beijing for the 2008 Summer Olympics.

By Nicole Davis

Josh Riker-Fox’s Olympic dream began on a Calgary sidewalk during the opening ceremonies for the 1988 Winter Olympics. Two decades later, Riker-Fox has qualified for the modern pentathlon—fencing, pistol shooting, swimming, show jumping on horseback and cross-country running—at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

In the second of a series of interviews with U of C students, alumni and researchers with Olympic connections, Riker-Fox—the 24-year-old is in his last year of joint undergraduate kinesiology and commerce degrees—shares his thoughts on life on the podium and his lack of musical talent.

What is your pre-event ritual?

I am rather introverted prior to competing, so I generally go into my own little world. I listen to music, eat well and try to get a proper amount of sleep. On competition day, I avoid making eye contact with my competitors and try to convince myself that I only need to focus on my actions and that will bring success.

Describe your first Olympic-related dream.

It began when I was five years old standing in Calgary’s streets during the 1988 Winter Olympics opening ceremonies. From there, I was deeply moved by the Olympics on TV.  In 2002, I made a firm decision that I specifically wanted to qualify for the 2008 Games. From that moment, I’ve continuously had the dream of competing in this environment, taking part in opening and closing ceremonies and achieving the “Olympic-feeling.”

What drives you?

Fear of failure is a major motivator. My earliest memories from any sort of competitive environment are ones where I had a desire to succeed. I loathed the notion of being another dot on the radar.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I wish I had some form of musical talent.  I’m quite jealous of my brother who’s a super musician. Sadly, the only thing I can play are CDs.

What is your current state of mind?

I am in a good place in terms of knowing that I have qualified for the Olympics and will graduate in June. At the same time, the dreams that I had prior to qualifying only led to that moment of crossing the finish line. I was not prepared for all the emotions or challenges that followed that moment as I had not given them a second’s thought, ever. My brain is doing summersaults trying to find a balance in life, while maximizing the enjoyment of the moment. The Games have seemed so far away, but there is not enough time to prepare. It is exhilarating and suffocating at the same time.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Qualifying for the Olympics is the natural answer. This included winning a bronze medal at the 2007 Pan American Games. Standing on the podium with our flag waving and my parents watching from the bleachers was the most powerful moment I can recall in my life.

What is your most marked characteristic?

I believe it is tenacity. I am a fighter. And I need to continue to be a fighter as I have a very, very long way to progress in my sport and life, before I am content.