By: Clarissa Andersen

As an athlete your body is your machine. When your machine is a source of embarrassment it can be hard to overcome, something Chantal Van Landeghem has known far too well.

“Being 6’3” and being female, it’s challenging, especially growing up and growing into that,” says Van Landeghem.

“I used to hunch over. I’m taller than most of the guys I’m friends with so that’s something that I had to learn how to deal with.”

The sprint freestyler from Winnipeg, Manitoba has learned to love the advantages her body gives her, working hard to truly appreciate her height.

“It is something that I had to learn how to deal with. I think my confidence has definitely grown as I’ve grown up. It’s still something I have to remind myself is a good thing and not a bad thing,” she says.

Standing tall as a high performance athlete setting Canadian records, Van Landeghem has experienced many successes in her career. One memory she says she will never forget is her race on the first night of the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games.

“Winning gold in the 100-m freestyle, it was such an amazing feeling. It was the first time that I actually heard the crowd while in a race. And the fact that they were cheering for me, and for Canada, was so cool,” she says.

“I think there’s going to be more competitions but there’s never going to be a moment like that again. Touching the wall first and just hearing the support of your country, that was a really cool moment.”

Van Landeghem has her heart set on making the 2016 Canadian Olympic team but knows there are many other parts within that goal that require dedication and focus.

“I want to consistently be improving my times which I’ve so far been able to do, representing Canada to the best of my ability, and being the best teammate I can be. That all goes hand in hand with it.”

Aside from believing in what your body can do, Van Landeghem feels that never getting too discouraged is key when it comes to competing at her level.

“There’s ups and downs in swimming. One of the biggest things is just chugging along during your down slopes and knowing that it will get better,” she says.

“Hard work always pays off so if you’re pushing yourself and working hard the times will come. This year I’m actually training at the High Performance Centre with Ben Titley and Ben is probably one of the best swimming coaches in the world. I have so much faith and confidence in him that every day I’m doing everything I can to be better.”

Knowing the body image issues she suffered in the past, Van Landeghem wants to help other young girls and women embrace themselves for who they are.

“I think it is a little easier said than done but just love your body. I don’t want to sound cheesy and I know it’s tough at a younger age but you really just have to appreciate what God has given you” she says.

“If you’re a little bit taller, you have bigger thighs, or you have big biceps you have to try appreciate it and know that it’s beautiful no matter what anyone says. That’s what makes you unique.”

Fuel for thought with Chantal Van Landeghem

What does it take to fuel a woman champion? It takes training, support, determination, perseverance, drive, and of course a balanced diet filled with nutritious food including at least three servings of dairy daily. Here is a look inside what it takes to fuel Chantal Van Landeghem.

What are some staple foods in your diet?

I honestly probably go through two litres of milk every three or four days. I drink so much skim milk it’s ridiculous. Milk is my go-to liquid outside of practice, which is when I drink water. I love Greek yogurt, I have cottage cheese with breakfast. I’m also really into salmon right now. I love buying fresh salmon and cooking it in a little bit of coconut oil and a bit of lemon pepper.

What is your favourite way to keep active and fit?

I’ve actually started doing hot yoga this year, which I love. It’s nice because not only does it help my flexibility but it also helps core, it helps strength, it helps letting go of any stresses or worries so it’s something that I love and I think I’m going to continue to do. There’s something so cool about just sweating so much. You kind of feel rejuvenated afterwards.

After your swimming career comes to an end, where do you see yourself?

I’m double majoring in psychology and cognitive science. I want to go to grad school and get my PhD in psychology and then from there I have a couple of options that I’m considering. One is possibly being a sports psychologist. I’ve worked with a few and I think it would be a really rewarding career.

What music gets you pumped up for your workouts?

It changes a lot but right now I’m into DJ Kygo. He kind of does remixes and it’s a little bit mellow but I’m really into him

What show are you watching?

I’m watching Dexter right now, which I’m actually really enjoying.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I think I would like to go explore Europe a little bit. I’ve been to quite a few countries and I’ve had great experiences there and I’d like to visit more. I’d like to go Greece and spend more time in Italy and do the touristy thing. The thing with swimming is you do travel a lot, I’ve been all over the world, but it’s tough because we may get a day to leave the hotel and not go to the pool. So it’s mostly the hotel and the swimming pool that we see.

To learn more about Chantal Van Landeghem’s accomplishments and career you can view her profile at https://www.swimming.ca/en/swimmer/chantal-van-landeghem/

Clarissa Andersen is an everyday woman, mom, writer and fitness enthusiast passionate about helping people live healthier and happier lives.